Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that causes the endometrial tissue that usually lines the uterus to grow outside of the uterus. The tissue acts like it usually would during menstruation, but it can’t exit the body.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is severe pelvic pain during your menstrual cycle. The condition may also cause pain during intercourse and urination.

What Problems Can Endometriosis Cause?

Endometriosis is a treatable condition that causes a great deal of pain for many women, impairs fertility, and slightly increases your risk for cancer.

• Pain: Endometriosis causes inflammation and bleeding outside of the uterus, which causes a great deal of pain. The pain associated with endometriosis can interfere with a woman’s ability to perform daily tasks.
• Infertility: Endometriosis may make it difficult to get pregnant. The inflammation and damage the condition causes may interfere with normal sperm and egg processes.
• Ovarian Cancer: Women with endometriosis have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer than those without the condition. The overall risk of developing ovarian cancer is low, but endometriosis seems to have a slight effect.

How Do You Diagnose Endometriosis?

The first step toward diagnosis is a discussion about your medical history and the symptoms you experience. Your gynecologist then performs a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, to look for abnormalities.

A pelvic exam usually doesn’t uncover endometriosis, so your doctor may need to verify the condition with laparoscopy. During the surgical procedure, your surgeon inserts a tiny camera through your abdomen to look for displaced endometrial tissues.

What Treatments are Available for Endometriosis?

The gynecologic experts at Louisiana Women’s Healthcare specialize in endometriosis treatment, which usually involves medication as the first line of treatment and surgery when necessary.

• Medication: Your gynecologist tries to help you manage your symptoms with medication first. The most common medications for endometriosis include NSAIDs and hormone medication, such as birth control.
• Surgery: If you want to preserve your fertility, your gynecologist may suggest minimally invasive surgery to remove adhesions and endometrium. Your surgeon may suggest hysterectomy if your condition doesn’t improve and you’re sure you don’t want any more children.

If you have or suspect endometriosis, book an appointment with one of the qualified surgeons at Louisiana Women’s Healthcare to discuss your options by calling or clicking the “book now” button.