Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus. It often includes the pelvic tissue and can envelop the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well. The latest celebrity to shed some light on the condition is actor Shamita Shetty, who recently underwent surgery for endometriosis. She took to social media to encourage women to avoid ignoring their pains and to listen to their body for their well-being.

The former Bigg Boss contestant shared a video message for her fans on social media before undergoing surgery. Urging women to search more about endometriosis on the internet, she warned that the symptoms of the health issue are not easily detected, but it can be painful experience.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when the tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This causes swelling and the formation of scar tissue in the pelvic area. It can also affect other parts of the body in some rare cases. This condition may result in excruciating pelvic pain and make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. It is believed that this condition affects about 190 million reproductive age women in the world, as per the data by the World Health Organization.

Gynecologist and Ayurveda expert Dr Chanchal Sharma shares, “Endometriosis is a disease related to the reproductive organs of women, the uterus. A woman’s menstrual cycle is caused by the breakdown of the endometrial tissue. But when the same tissue grows outside the uterus into the ovary or fallopian tube, causing a condition known as endometriosis. During menstruation, the uterine tissue in the form of blood comes out of the body, but the tissue that grows by spreading to other parts of the body remains in the body and becomes a cause of trouble for some women.”

Also Read: All about endometriosis

Symptoms of endometriosis

Some people with endometriosis may not experience any symptoms, or only find out they have the condition when they get pregnant or while getting surgery for another reason. However, you should look out for these signs and symptoms of endometriosis, as per leading health authorities:

• Pelvic pain is the main symptom of the condition, and it is often linked to menstrual periods. Periods cramps are normal during menstruation, but women with endometriosis may experience more severe pain.
• Do you feel pain during or after sex? It could be due to endometriosis.
  If you notice excessive bleeding or heavy bleeding during periods, get yourself checked for endometriosis.
• Someone with endometriosis may experience pain during bowel movements or urination.
• Infertility could also be due to endometriosis.
• Endometriosis may also lead to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or nausea.
• You may also experience fatigue if you suffer from the condition.

Ayurveda for endometriosis

As per Ayurveda, endometriosis is a disease caused by the disturbance of vata dosha, which is responsible for releasing anything from the body, whether it is mucus, fecal matter, urine, or eggs. It is mainly due to a subtype of vata dosha known as apana vayu. It is the energy of elimination and is located in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. Apana vayu is responsible for the endometrial tissue developing in the uterine cavity that should be developed in the uterine cavity properly. When it is disturbed, the endometrial tissue will develop outside the uterine cavity, in the pelvic area, and in the tubes of the uterine cavity. So, when your period comes, endometrial tissue comes out of your body through the vagina, explains Dr Sharma.

When the endometrial tissue bleeds outside the uterine cavity, it is called retrograde bleeding which creates lots of adhesions around the uterine, pelvic area, and other organs, causing severe pain.

Can Ayurveda help in the treatment of endometriosis?

Ayurveda focuses on understanding the root cause of the problem which has led to the problem. In the case of this condition, it is believed that it is caused by an imbalance in your vata dosha. This problem can be managed and suppressed, which will help patients get relief from the problem. Dr Sharma says that the patient can manage it with Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic treatment can be an affordable option for managing endometriosis pain before expensive interventions, according to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

The Ayurvedic treatment for endometriosis may include medicines, massage, panchakarma therapy, eating a healthy diet, exercise, and making some changes in their lifestyle to avoid complications. You may also need to avoid stress, alcohol, caffeine, fried foods, and too much sugar to keep your health in check, recommends the expert.

The bottomline is that you should not ignore the pain in your body, and consult your doctor to avoid complications.