WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus that is found elsewhere in the body.
This inflammatory disease creates lesions that become inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain, scar tissue formation, and organ dysfunction. Even though it is most commonly found in the pelvis, other possible locations include but are not limited to: the bladder, bowels, appendix, diaphragm, lungs, and kidneys.
Signs & Symptoms
Everyone with endometriosis experiences symptoms differently. Symptoms range along a spectrum including (but not limited to): “killer cramps” too heavy or irregular periods, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and or constipation, pain with urinating, pain during sex, fatigue, brain fog, and infertility. Some may experience all of these symptoms on a chronic or cyclical basis, while others may experience no symptoms at all. This colorful symptom profile is one of the factors that makes endometriosis difficult to diagnose.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of endometriosis cannot be confirmed by CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds. The abnormal cells need to be collected via biopsy, during a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. While symptoms can give doctors a suspicion of endometriosis, relying on symptoms alone may lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. If you suffer from any of the symptoms previously mentioned, book an appointment to speak to your doctor or a specialist. Preparing for that appointment is vital.
Treatment
Though hormonal treatments (OCPs, Lupron, Orlissa, Etc.) are highly regarded as an acceptable treatment of the disease itself, in actuality, it only treats the symptoms. Excision surgery with an endometriosis specialist is used for effectively treating Endometriosis lesions. Many surgeons perform a less successful technique, ablation, that simply burns away the top of the disease, leaving the root behind. Excision surgery requires a very high level of surgical skill, since endometriosis can be found anywhere in. the body. Though endometriosis does not have a cure, many who have undergone expert excision surgery have seen long-term relief in symptoms, decrease in pain, and improved quality of life. Surgery to remove the disease is only the first step of a multidisciplinary approach to more effectively treating endometriosis.
Education
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