Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition in women where a tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, abnormally grows outside the uterus in other areas of the body.
During the course of a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries secrete chemicals called hormones, which signal the lining of the uterus to thicken over the course of a month. This lining is called the endometrium. The endometrium thickens with blood vessels, preparing to receive the fertilised egg. If the egg isn’t fertilized, the uterus sheds the lining and the infertilized egg, along with blood vessels, through the vagina. This is released in the form of menstrual blood every month.
HOW DOES ENDOMETRIOSIS CAUSE A PROBLEM?
When the endometrium grows outside the uterus, it is referred to as endometriosis. This extra layer of misplaced tissue behaves in the same way as if it were inside the uterus. It thickens every month and causes bleeding during menstruation. However, since this tissue is outside the uterus, it has no way to be discharged from the body. The trapped blood and tissue then cause inflammation and pain in the surrounding area, causing discomfort.
This condition may also cause the fallopian tubes to close, as bands of scar tissue formed outside the uterus may cause one organ to stick to another. This has a negative effect on the ability of a woman to conceive a child, thus affecting fertility and causing pain and discomfort.
Endometriosis can cause other problems in the body. It can lead to the formation of endometriomas, or chocolate cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that can affect fertility. Endometriosis may also result in abnormal bleeding.
The most common sites for endometriosis are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outside of the uterus, the supporting structure outside the uterus, and the lining of the pelvis called the peritoneum. Other sites include the bladder, rectum, and intestines.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS?
- Chronic central or pelvic pain that usually worsens over time
- Pain before or during the periods
- Pain during intercourse is felt deep within the pelvis
- Painful urination during the periods
- Painful bowel movements during the period
- Abnormal bleeding
- Diarrhea, constipation, or nausea
- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant
HOW IS ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATED?
Doctors usually prescribe pain management medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to provide relief from pain. Hormonal pills can also be taken to prevent monthly endometrial buildup and bleeding.
Surgical treatment may be opted for, depending on the patient’s symptoms of pain, difficulty getting pregnant. This may be in the form of the removal of endometriosis lesions, the removal of adhesions and scar tissue, the removal of endometriosis cysts or chocolate cysts, etc. Some women with severe cases of endometriosis may need a hysterectomy or the complete removal of the uterus and ovaries if childbearing is complete. The treatment for each woman varies depending on her condition.
Our practise also specialises in providing patients with conservative and surgical options for pain relief with endometriosis.
Dr. Oberoi is also enrolling patients for an Endometriosis Clinical Trial- ELARIS EM-COC. Please see details on the trial by clicking on https://www.endometriosis-study.com AND call our office if you think that you are an eligible patient with moderate to severe endometriosis symptoms.
To schedule a consultation for endometriosis screening and treatment, please call (315) 471-4911 to schedule an appointment at our office in East Syracuse, NY 13057.