Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that affects up to 1 out of every 10 women. In today’s blog post, we hope to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from patients about this common health condition.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium, tissue that normally lines the uterus, grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and frequently infertility.
The tissue growth typically occurs in the pelvic area, outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder, and the delicate lining of the pelvis, but it can occur in other areas of the body as well.
What are some common signs & symptoms of endometriosis?
Pelvic pain and cramping
Lower back and/or abdominal pain
Heavy bleeding during menstruation
Bleeding and/or pain between menstrual periods
Pain during or after intercourse
Discomfort during urination or bowel movements
Chronic fatigue
Digestive issues including diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or bloating
Infertility
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Because many of the symptoms of endometriosis mimic those of other health conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an accurate diagnoses is needed for treatment. One or more of the following tests will be performed to diagnose endometriosis:
Physical exam & assessment of family history
Ultrasound
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Laparoscopy
What are the treatment options for endometriosis?
While endometriosis has no cure, there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms. Medication or surgery are currently the most common treatment options. The treatment option you and your doctor choose will ultimately depend on the severity of your symptoms, risk factors, and whether or not you are trying to conceive.
Medication:
Hormonal contraceptives
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists
Progestin therapy
Aromatase inhibitors
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Surgery:
Laparoscopy
Hysterectomy
We hope this post has helped clarify some of your questions about endometriosis. If you have any other questions, or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please call our office at 630.882.0264 to schedule an exam.
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Endometriosis.” ACOG, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, June 2020, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Endometriosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 July 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656.