Actor and interior designer Shamita Shetty recently underwent surgery for endometriosis. We explain what this means and how Ayurveda can help you manage it.
Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. It often includes pelvic tissue and may also encase the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The latest celebrity to shed light on the disease is actor Shamita Shetty, who recently underwent surgery for endometriosis. She took to social media to urge women to avoid ignoring their pain and listen to their bodies for the sake of their health.
The former Bigg Boss contestant shared a video message to his fans on social media before undergoing surgery. She urged women to find out more about endometriosis online, warning that symptoms of the health problem are not easily detected but can be a painful experience.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus. This causes swelling and scar tissue formation in the pelvic area. In rare cases, it can also affect other parts of the body. This condition can cause excruciating pelvic pain and make it difficult for women to become pregnant. The condition is thought to affect approximately 190 million women of reproductive age worldwide, according to World Health Organization data.
Dr. Chanchal Sharma, a gynecologist and Ayurvedic expert, says, “Endometriosis is a disease related to the uterus, the female reproductive organ. A woman’s menstrual cycle is caused by the destruction of endometrial tissue. However, the same tissue is removed outside the uterus by the ovaries or eggs. When they grow into tubes, they cause a condition known as endometriosis. During menstruation, uterine tissue leaves the body in the form of blood, but tissue that spreads and grows to other parts of the body remains inside the body. It causes trouble for some women.”
Also read: All about endometriosis
Symptoms of endometriosis
Some people with endometriosis may have no symptoms or only discover they have endometriosis when they become pregnant or have surgery for another reason. However, you should be aware of the following signs and symptoms of endometriosis, according to leading health authorities:
- Pelvic pain is the main symptom of this disease and is often associated with menstruation. Although it is normal to experience period pain during menstruation, women with endometriosis may experience more severe pain.
- Do you feel pain during or after sex? Endometriosis could be the culprit.
If you notice excessive or heavy bleeding during your period, get tested for endometriosis. - People with endometriosis may experience pain when defecating or urinating.
- Infertility may also be caused by endometriosis.
- Endometriosis can also cause digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.
- If you are suffering from symptoms, you may also feel tired.
Ayurveda for endometriosis
According to Ayurveda, endometriosis is a disease caused by a disturbance in Vata dosha, which is responsible for eliminating everything from the body, including mucus, stool, urine, and eggs. It is mainly due to the subtype of Vata dosha known as Apana Vayu. It is the energy of excretion and is located in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. Apana Vayu is responsible for the development of endometrial tissue that should develop properly within the uterine cavity. When endometrial tissue is damaged, it develops outside the uterine cavity, in the pelvic region, and within the canals of the uterine cavity. So, when you get your period, the endometrial tissue comes out of your body through the vagina, explains Dr. Sharma.
When endometrial tissue bleeds outside the uterine cavity, called retrograde bleeding, many adhesions form around the uterus, pelvic area, and other organs, causing severe pain.
Can Ayurveda help treat endometriosis?
Ayurveda focuses on understanding the root cause of the problem. This condition is believed to be caused by an imbalance in Vata dosha. This problem can be managed and suppressed, helping the patient to get relief from the problem. Dr Sharma says patients can be treated with Ayurveda.
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According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Ayurvedic treatments can be an affordable option for managing endometriosis pain before expensive interventions.
Ayurvedic treatment for endometriosis includes medicines, massage, Panchakarma therapy, healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to avoid complications. To stay healthy, you may also need to avoid stress, alcohol, caffeine, fried foods, and excessive sugar intake, experts recommend.
The main thing is not to ignore body pain and consult a doctor to avoid complications.
