Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis causes pelvic pain due to the growth of tissue similar to the endometrium (uterine lining) on tissues and organs outside your uterus. Patches of endometrial tissue or implants can develop almost anywhere in your pelvic region, including the:

• Peritoneum
• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Outer uterine wall
• Bladder
• Ureters
• Peritoneum
• Intestines
• Rectum
• Space behind your uterus (cul-de-sac)

These implants swell, bleed, and finally shed just like your uterine lining does when you menstruate. Unfortunately, they tend to get trapped because they can't exit your body like ordinary menstrual fluid.

The result is irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissues. The bleeding, shedding implants can also form scar tissue that might be so extensive it creates adhesions – areas where your organs stick together.

What symptoms does endometriosis cause?

It's possible to develop endometriosis and not have any symptoms, or you might find you have very painful periods but are okay for the rest of the month.

Some women suffer from chronic pelvic pain due to their endometriosis that becomes severe during their period. Depending on the location of your endometrial implants, you might also experience:

• Heavy periods
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• Painful bowel movements
• Pain when urinating

Endometriosis is also a potential cause of infertility. Around 40% of women who seek help because they can't conceive are likely to have endometriosis.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Your symptoms are usually a good indication that you have endometriosis. Your gynecologist at Providence Women's Healthcare also carries out a physical exam and reviews your medical history to form a preliminary diagnosis.

The only way to determine for sure that endometriosis is causing your problems is with laparoscopy. This is a form of minimally invasive surgery that requires a small incision in your abdomen.

Viewing your pelvic organs through the laparoscope, your provider can locate the endometrial implants and take tissue samples for analysis.

What treatments can help with endometriosis?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to ease the pain, and some drugs specifically target endometriosis pain.

Hormonal treatments like birth control pills, progesterone medications, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can all help, too. They minimize the effects of menstruation, so the endometrial implants don't swell and bleed so much.

If these treatments aren't controlling your symptoms adequately, your gynecologist at Providence Women's Healthcare can operate to remove the endometrial implants and scar tissue.

They use state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotic technology to perform minimally invasive endometriosis resection for optimal results. If heavy, painful periods are also a problem and you don't wish to conceive a child, endometrial ablation might be a good choice.

Find a solution to your endometriosis by calling Providence Women's Healthcare today or using the online booking form to schedule a consultation.