Endometriosis is a common women’s health condition. This disease occurs when inflammatory tissue in the endometrium, which is the inside lining of the uterus, hence the name endometriosis, is implanted outside the uterus in the pelvis or even other tissues in the body. Endometriosis can also occur in the ovary or space between the vagina and the rectum. Depending on the population studied, anywhere from 10-50%, or even more, women will have endometriosis. At Raveco Medical, Jackson Heights endometriosis treatments are offered to relieve the symptoms of the disease.
No one agrees on the exact cause of endometriosis. Still, it is thought to be a cell differentiation disorder where specific cells’ DNA gets programmed into endometriosis when a woman reaches puberty. The theory of this fact is that some of those endometrial lining cells migrate out into the pelvis somehow through either retrograde menstruation (out of the tubes and embeds in the pelvis) or something embryologically developed in the wrong spot. Therefore, when you get your period, your lining grows and then it sheds, meaning each time you get your period, some of the endometrial cells will shed, causing pain.
Risk factors
Endometriosis is hereditary. If you have a first-degree female relative with endometriosis, you are more at risk of developing the condition. Women who get their first period earlier are also more at risk.
Symptoms
The manifestation symptoms depend on the severity of the condition. The symptoms of endometriosis include:
· Pelvic pain can mean excruciating periods that can cause a woman to miss work or school.
· Pelvic pain in the middle of the month during the time of ovulation.
· Painful intercourse
· Pain with bowel movement
· Infertility: 25-30% of women who struggle with infertility have a diagnosis of endometriosis.
Diagnosis
Before a woman contemplates treatment for endometriosis, your doctor will perform a thorough assessment to look for all potential causes of pelvic pain so that they can all be addressed. Endometriosis is often suspected when a woman has pain or fertility problems, but laparoscopic surgery and biopsy are required for a strict diagnosis.
Diseases like irritable bowel syndrome can be mistaken for endometriosis. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is required to confirm that you have endometriosis. Your physician may choose to make a diagnosis of exclusion which involves a surgical procedure called laparoscopy. Your doctor will insert a telescope through your belly button to see the disease’s different variations during the procedure.
Treatment
Endometriosis treatment option can be:
Medication
Medical therapy involves the use of hormonal suppressive drugs (pills or injections) to suppress the symptoms. Hormonal treatment is the primary treatment option for endometriosis patients.
Surgical
Surgery to take down some of the scars and cysts benefit from potentially curing a woman of her endometriosis. However, after surgery, a patient may still need to suppress the condition by taking medications.
Lifestyle changes
Patients that are overweight tend to have a higher estrogen level. Weight loss is a natural way of managing endometriosis as it lowers estrogen.
It is crucial to understand the disease process to determine which treatment plan will work for you. To learn more about endometriosis and the treatment options available, contact Raveco Medical by phone or book an appointment online.
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