Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where the cells that line the inside of the uterus are found outside the uterus in other areas of the body. These cells develop into lesions or “implants”. The most common locations for implants are in the pelvic region near the ovaries, tubes, ligaments, on the bladder, bowel or on the lining of the pelvic cavity. Endometriosis cells respond to the hormones made from the ovary of the normal menstrual cycle. They can cause inflmmation and scarring in the abdomen and pelvis.

The symptoms of “Endo” are pain related to periods, painful intercourse, infertility and abnormal bleeding. It can also be the cause of pain with bowel movements, and back pain with periods. The amount of pain is not necessarily related to the severity of the disease.

Endometriosis is diagnosed by an outpatient surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. Gynecologists trained in this procedure use carbon dioxide to distend the abdomen and through a small incision place a camera inside to closely inspect all the areas where endo is known to hide. Further treatment is designed to lower the hormonal levels by suppressing normal ovarian function with medications.

Even with proper diagnosis and treatment, endometriosis can be a recurrent disease.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Gynecology and Infertility Associates website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.