Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the endometrium develops outside the uterine cavity. Hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can trigger inflammation around the site of abnormal endometrial growth. The condition can lead to chronic pain and has no cure. Discover conventional and natural therapies from your OBGYN or certified nurse midwife Jackson Heights, NY, effective for managing endometriosis.
What are the causes and symptoms of endometriosis?
The endometrium cells rarely spread to other areas of the body. But they occasionally appear on several sites, including the pelvis, bowel, or ovaries. The tissue can swell, causing excruciating pain.
Nonetheless, symptoms may vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe. It is worth noting the sensation should not be an indication of the phase of the disease. Some patients may experience mild symptoms at advanced stages of endometriosis. Similarly, intense pain does not necessarily mean the condition is severe.
Pain around the pelvic region is the most recognizable characteristic of endometriosis. Other signs may vary and include:
· Excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle
· Chronic pelvic pain and painful periods
· Painful urination and bowel movements
· Depression or a sense of chronic fatigue
· Constipation, nausea, or diarrhea
Potential endometriosis complications
Endometriosis can affect several organs around the pelvic region. It may interfere with the reproductive organs, causing issues with fertility. It is the leading cause of infertility for women in their 30s and 40s.
Endometriosis can make pregnancy challenging in several ways, depending on the growth of the endometrial tissue. The tissue may spread around the ovaries, preventing them from moving into the uterus.
In other cases, endometriosis can prevent the sperm from passing through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Patients may experience extreme hormonal fluctuations, especially during the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis can also cause depression and anxiety. The fatigue and pain may affect your quality of life and mental health. Fortunately, your provider can recommend proven methods of managing psychological and physiological symptoms.
What is the diagnosis process for endometriosis?
While no curative therapies exist, early diagnosis can increase the chances of successful disease management. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms before performing a pelvic exam. You may require a laparoscopy if your initial evaluation indicates a mild to severe case.
A laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves making minute incisions around your belly. The process creates an opening to insert a miniature camera into a thin tube. The laparoscope generates images that provide an accurate visual of endometrial growth. Laparoscopy facilitates tissue growth identification, which is critical for developing your treatment plan.
Endometriosis treatment options
Your obstetrician will craft a treatment plan that will be most effective for your case. Several modalities, like hormonal therapy and pain relief medication, can address mild to moderate symptoms.
Laparoscopic surgery to remove the tissue is usually necessary when the patient wants to get pregnant. The laparoscopic procedure involves minute incisions under the belly button. The process is minimally-invasive and has fast recovery times.
Contact Raveco Medical for convenient appointment scheduling to explore potential treatment options today.