Endometriosis Treatment in Homewood, IL
Endometriosis is a widespread but widely misunderstood condition. It affects 5% to 10% of women. Despite advances in the last generation, many women are still misdiagnosed, undertreated, or abandoned. Endometriosis and treatment options, including fertility treatment and surgery, are discussed in detail below.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that causes inflammation of the uterine lining. During your menstrual cycle, the lining of your uterus sheds and can regrow in the space between your bladder and rectum. Endometrial tissue that spreads to other parts of your body can cause severe pain and other symptoms.
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus begins to grow in places other than the uterus. Endometriosis-affected tissue, known as endometrial implants, can be found on one or both ovaries, the ligaments that hold an ovary in place, the outer surface of the uterus or cervix, or the endometrial-like tissue that separates these organs.
Causes of Endometriosis Pain
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown to medical professionals. There have been numerous theories proposed to explain what causes endometriosis, but none have been proven. Endometriosis pain, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of factors. Retrograde menstruation is the most common cause of painful periods. This occurs when menstrual blood returns to the uterus. Scar tissue or adhesion formation is to blame. Some of the risk factors for developing endometriosis are as follows:
Age
Endometriosis usually develops during your reproductive years—usually between the ages of 15 and 35.
Family history
If your parents had ovarian cysts or endometriosis, there is an increased chance that you will too.
Infection
Certain sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of endometriosis by causing inflammation in the pelvic cavity, which may lead to scar tissue formation.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis symptoms can vary from person to person. They can be mild or severe, and some people experience no symptoms at all. Pelvic pain, which is frequently experienced during menstruation, is the most common symptom of endometriosis. While most women experience menstrual discomfort, the pain caused by endometriosis is far worse. The following are some of the most common symptoms of severe endometriosis:
- Heavy and very painful menstrual cramps
- Bloating.
- Dysmenorrhea
How to Diagnose Endometriosis
Discuss your symptoms and signs with your doctor if they sound like endometriosis. A pelvic exam and other tests can be performed by your doctor to determine if this is the case. Endometriosis is commonly diagnosed using the following methods:
Imaging tests
These include ultrasonography, MRI, and CT scans. The ultrasound CT scans use X-rays to create images of the pelvis and uterus, and the MRI procedure uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of organs inside the body. All three tests are painless, noninvasive, and safe.
Laparoscopy
This medical procedure involves inserting a small camera into your pelvic area through several tiny incisions in your abdomen so that a surgeon can look inside for signs of endometriosis or other conditions causing your symptoms.
Treatment Options for Endometriosis
There are numerous treatment options for endometriosis. The most effective way to treat endometriosis is to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms. This will assist you in developing a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. The goal of endometriosis treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain. Many different treatments may be beneficial to various patients. Some examples are:
Pain medications
If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to manage them with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have severe symptoms, such as pain during menstruation or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, your doctor may recommend stronger pain medications (CPPS).
Surgery
Some women with mild endometriosis may be able to treat their symptoms without surgery by using certain medications or birth control methods. However, if these treatments fail or your symptoms worsen, you may require surgery to remove endometrial tissue from areas where it is causing pain or other health problems.
Hormones
Hormone therapy is used to treat endometriosis when other treatments have failed. Lupron is the most commonly used hormone treatment for endometriosis. Your doctor's office or hospital will inject this medication into your abdomen or buttocks four times a year.
Find Lasting Relief from Endometriosis Starting with DARDUR Gynecology
DARDUR Gynecology understands the anguish that endometriosis patients go through and is dedicated to providing the best care possible for endometriosis treated. We provide comprehensive endometriosis treatment for women, including surgeries, medications, and treatments that can help relieve many symptoms. Dr. Taiwo Durowade, a board-certified gynecologist who specializes in endometriosis, is dedicated to providing you with the best care possible. Please call us at 708-340-1167 to schedule an appointment and begin your journey to better health!
