Endometriomas are also known as endometrioid cysts and their specific type of ovarian cysts that form when endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus typically on your ovaries. No doubt the exact cause of endometriomas is not completely understood; they can have major implications for your health and fertility. In this guide you can explore the causes, symptoms and diagnosis for endometriosis.

Basics about Endometriomas

Endometriomas develop endometrial tissue which basically lies in the uterus and starts to grow in other areas of your body like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder or the lining of your pelvis and abdomen. When the tissue implants on the ovaries it can lead to the formation of cysts known as endometriomas. This can vary in size with some being small and others growing as large as 8 inches.

Harmful effects of Endometriomas

• Endometriomas often cause chronic pelvic pain which might worsen before during menstruation.
• The presence of these cysts can interfere with your fertility by impacting your evaluation quality and the function of the ovaries.
• You need to know that these can complicate your fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization by minimizing the chances of successful implantation.
• In some cases it can also disrupt your normal functioning of the ovaries. It leads to hormonal imbalances or other complications.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Persistent pain in your lower abdomen might worsen during menstruation.
• You might have excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• There can be a lot of pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
• You might or might not experience some symptoms and this might only be detected during a routine pelvic exam or imaging test.

Diagnosis of Endometriomas

Diagnosis basically includes a combination of your medical history, physical examination and imaging tests. The doctor might perform a pelvic exam to check your abnormalities and might also order some tests like ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the ovaries and surrounding structures. The blood test might also be conducted to rule out other conditions and understand hormone levels. In cases laparoscopy might be recommended by your doctor for definitive diagnosis. The minimally invasive surgical procedure includes inserting a thin camera through a small incision in your abdomen to visualize the pelvic organs and identify any implants or cysts.

The treatment option for Endometriomas

• The treatment approach for endometriomas depends on different factors like the severity of symptoms, the size of the cysts and your reproductive goals.
• If your cysts are small then your doctor might recommend monitoring them closely with regular ultrasound scans.
• Hormonal medicines might be prescribed to temporarily suppress the ovarian function and reduce the size of cysts. But these medicines can cause menopausal symptoms and they are not suitable for you if you're trying to conceive.
• Surgical intervention might be important for large endometriomas. Depending on the extent of the disease the surgery might include draining the cysts or removing them entirely. In severe cases where conservative measures are ineffective or hysterectomy might be recommended.

Above all you need to know that endometriomas can have major implications on your health and fertility causing chronic pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities and difficulties getting pregnant. So early diagnosis and appropriate management is very important to minimize symptoms and preserve fertility. If you suspect that you have endometriomas or you're experiencing pelvic pain or other concerning symptoms it is very important for you to seek medical attention in time. Your doctor can perform a thorough evaluation and make an accurate diagnosis. They can also recommend a customized treatment plan to address concerns.