Conditions

Staging of endometriosis The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s current classification of endometriosis in stages 1 to 4 is the most widely used and accepted staging system. The classification system uses point scores depending on location, extent, and depth of endometriosis implants; presence and severity of adhesions; and presence and size of ovarian endometriomas. However, the staging of endometriosis does not correlate with the presence of or severity of symptoms.

What is endometriosis Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue that lines the uterus wall) is found outside the uterus (often referred to as endometrial implants). This is mostly found in the peritoneum (membrane that lines abdominal cavity and surrounds internal organs), ovaries, fallopian tubes, ureters, bladder, bowel and cul-de-sac (the space behind the uterus). Endometrial tissue in the uterus is under the influence of oestrogen (a female hormone).…

What causes endometriosis Even though doctors are not absolutely sure, they suggest some of the following causes: Genetic: A 10-fold increased risk was found in first-degree relatives of women with endometriosis. It has been suggested that endometriosis results from a series of multiple hits within target genes in a mechanism similar to the development of cancer. In this case, the initial mutation may be either somatic or heritable. (Somatic refers to changes in the genetic structure that are…

Symptoms vary and usually reflect the area affected. They may include the following: Recurring pelvic pain that can range from mild to severe cramping or stabbing pain that occurs on both sides of the pelvis, in the lower back and rectal area, and even down the legs Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) Pain during and after sex If endometrial implants are found in the bowel, pain during bowel movements If endometrial implants are found in the bladder, pain may be felt during urination…

Prevention You can't prevent endometriosis. But you can work towards reducing your chances of developing it by lowering the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body. Estrogen helps to thicken the lining of your uterus during your menstrual cycle. To keep lower estrogen levels in your body, you can: Talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches or rings with lower doses of estrogen. Exercise regularly (more than 4 hours a week). Avoid large…

Management You can manage your endometriosis by lowering the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body. Estrogen helps to thicken the lining of your uterus during your menstrual cycle. To keep lower estrogen levels in your body, you can: Exercise regularly (more than 4 hours a week). This will also help you lower body fat which helps decrease the amount of estrogen circulating through the body. Avoid large amounts of alcohol.  Alcohol raises estrogen levels. Limit to one drink per…

Neha Sinha, a clinical psychologist by training shares her views on caregiving in Dementia, the effects of longtime caregiving on a person, how to keep his balance in tact and also avoid an early burnout.  ‘Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible’ ~ Tia Walker Caregiving in Dementia Caring for people with dementia is in many ways more challenging than looking after somebody with a physical condition. This is because when you look after someone with dementia…

Do you sometimes get sudden cramps in your calf or toe muscles? Dr. Shital Raval explains the causes and tips to get rid of leg cramps and to prevent them  Leg cramps or Charley horse (term used mainly in Canada and the US) is a common but harmless condition experienced by most individuals. These are sudden painful contractions of the leg muscles often in the calf area. They can last for seconds to a few minutes and rarely last more than 10 minutes. हिंदी में पढ़ें: पैर में ऐंठन -…

No matter how stressful your caregiving responsibilities,  Smriti Sawhney, an experienced Clinical Psychologist, recommends some things that you can do to ease your stress levels, regain your balance, and start to feel positive and hopeful again.  Especially targeted towards Elderly Caregivers. My mom has not been keeping well for some years now. She has osteoarthritis which is gradually becoming more disabling for her. She is one of the most courageous women I have met who has braved…