"This most likely caused 90% of your miscarriages" I was told by my doctor at my last appointment.
I have always been a pretty solid advocate for myself when it comes to health. I could not add up all of the money and time spent on appointments/ultrasounds trying to figure out what was going on with my body.
However this wonderful attacking disease does not show on an ultrasound, I did not know this.
Endometriosis Increases the Risk of Miscarriages
An extensive study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in 2015 noted that women with endometriosis are at a greater risk of experiencing miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
The study indicated that of the 5,375 pregnant women with endometriosis who participated in the study, compared to 8,280 pregnant women without endometriosis, the risk of miscarriage was 76% higher and the risk of ectopic pregnancy was three times greater in women with endometriosis. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy. It’s believed that the inflammation and structural changes associated with endometriosis may affect your ability to carry a pregnancy to full term. For instance, endometriosis can alter the shape of your uterus and make it difficult for an embryo to develop normally. Scar tissue (adhesions) can block the natural course of a fertilized egg and result in an ectopic pregnancy.
So basically this really crazy spiderweb took over my body. Having horrible periods never meant anything to me or cause for an alarm. As women we are told "oh ya its going to suck","periods hurt", "cramps are a normal part of it". What we aren't told is that cramping should be lite, that you shouldn't be doubled over in pain taking days off of school or work.
There is this known placement in society that yes you are a girl/woman and that comes with this horrible act of nature called a period and get over it.. eat you junk food, grab your heating pad, take your Midol and stop complaining.
I am confident if you ask any women they would take an erection over any of the physical things we go through. Quite frankly it sucks. So let's throw these spiderwebs in there and make it more fun.
After a year of trying for our last pregnancy I knew something was wrong. I have ALWAYS been able to get pregnant; it was the going full term that has always been the issue.
I had an Ultrasound and it was abnormal. I had wierd growths on and in my ovaries. Normal cysts/follicles are a pretty clear circle, but these were different. These were irregular shaped and had feelers which made them attach to my body and become part of it.
What Is Endometriosis
The tissue lining your uterus is called the endometrium. This is the area that swells and fills with blood and other nutrients that a fertilized embryo needs to grow and develop. If you don’t become pregnant, the unused tissue and blood is shed during your menstrual period.
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue implants itself outside of the uterus. This displaced tissue most often grows on the outer surface of your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It can also develop on the vagina, cervix, and other organs within your pelvic region but very rarely occurs in other parts of the body.
The implanted tissue associated with endometriosis continues to respond to the hormonal changes you experience during your menstrual cycle. It goes through a period of growth and then sheds unused blood and nutrients into the surrounding tissues. This activity often causes the same cramping pain you experience during your period.
Over time, endometriosis can cause the formation of scar tissue in your pelvic region. This creates additional pain and can eventually block structures needed for reproduction, such as your fallopian tubes. It’s estimated that 11% or more of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 have endometriosis.
My first surgery was scary because we had no idea what these irregularities were, I was away from my children, and I had no answers. One day I will be able to be a help to my children if they ever have issues; they will know my health reports and past surgeries. Knowing your families medical history would definitely help to find a source or solution.
After surgery he explained to me that I was heading towards a stage 4 Endometriosis.
Stage 4 Endometriosis (Severe)
This is the final stage of endometriosis, associated with a large number of cysts and severe adhesions. Endometriomas can grow very large — even as big as a grapefruit — during this stage. Endometriomas over the size of 2 cm will likely need to be surgically removed.
Since many of the cysts at this stage are on the back wall of the uterus and the rectum, women with stage 4 endo may experience digestive issues such as including painful bowel movements, constipation, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain. In addition, infertility is likely with stage 4 endo.
I never do anything halfway so I wasn't surprised . A plan was put into place to have a second surgery. So at this point these fibrous spiderwebs have taken over my ovaries, uterus, and blocked my fallopian tubes. Not only that.. they have also attached to my bowels and my lower organs including my bladder.
The Symptoms of Endometriosis
You may not even realize you have endometriosis. Some women experience very few symptoms and have no problems with fertility or moving through a healthy pregnancy.
Many women, however, experience significant problems with endometriosis. Pain is the most commonly reported symptom; women often describe it as extremely painful menstrual cramps that worsen over time. Endometriosis can also cause pain during or after sexual intercourse, long-term (chronic) back and pelvic pain, and spotting or bleeding between your periods.
You may also note abdominal bloating and problems with constipation or painful bowel movements. About half of the women who have endometriosis also have fertility issues.
Medical information cited from lasvegasgynsurgery
So all the bad periods, infertility, multiple miscarriages, bloating, back pain, random cramping, random bleeding, and horrible times on the toilet all lead to one solution. Have a second surgery and literally do a spring cleaning on my body. I don't feel broken or sad. I feel hopeful that something is happening to fix issues I have been personally dealing with for a very long time period.
I am hoping that by writing this blog that it really helps someone who may be in a similar status. Maybe it will help with a little bit of information on the subject. If there is just one person out there that is suffering from pain or miscarriages and they read this.... If one Husband out there is trying to scroll the internet to help his wife figure out what is going on, just maybe it will help.
What are your personal physical struggles and what can you do to help solve them and renew yourself? Wilson Wonders
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