Treating Endometriosis with Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis then you probably are wondering about your treatment options. Treatment options can vary from person to person. This usually depends on whether or not infertility is a factor. Symptoms can sometimes be controlled with over-the-counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications. Birth control pills can be effective at controlling the growth of endometrial implants. But, if endometriosis is severe or has affected surrounding organs, then surgery may be the only option for you.
Surgery is sometimes recommended if medications fail to control the endometriosis. Sometimes medicines are not an option. For example, if you are trying to conceive, then you may not want to take birth control pills or other hormonal treatments. Surgery might be one of your only options.
If endometriosis is found to be obstructing the bowels or distorting other organs then surgery may be immediately necessary. Removal of the uterus and/or ovaries may be necessary. If you are trying to conceive, then talk to your infertility specialist about treatment options that will allow you to have children. Many surgical procedures do result in restored fertility and preserved ovaries and uterus. Find a surgeon that is skilled and experienced in endometriosis removal. Ask your infertility specialist about experience and success rates.
Endometriosis may cause infertility in a few different ways. It is believed that the endometrial implants can throw off your hormonal balance. This can affect ovulation, fertilization and implantation. Endometriosis around the ovaries and fallopian tubes can cause scar tissue to grow inhibiting the release of eggs or blocking the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can even distort the anatomy of the uterus.
Many women with endometriosis do not have trouble with fertility and it is really a more common problem for women with more severe cases of endometriosis. Unfortunately, endometriosis sometimes goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years before it is discovered. This is because it can only definitively diagnosed through a laparoscopic surgery. Many women only have this procedure done when they see an infertility specialist about fertility issues.
Laparoscopic surgery is the surgical method most often used to remove endometrial implants. It is generally minimally invasive and performed under a general anesthesia. Implants can be destroyed by laser or electrical current. They are sometimes cut out, or excised. The surgeon may need to make other small incisions to insert surgical instruments that allow more complex procedures. Larger incisions are rare and are usually only used for major surgeries involving more organs affected by endometriosis.
Talk to your surgeon about your procedure. Discuss the goals of surgery and ask what you can expect. Follow the advice of your surgeon when it comes to preparation for the surgery as well as how to care for yourself when you get home. Many women need ongoing management of their endometriosis even after surgery. Laparoscopy endometriosis treatment can vary from person to person, so it is important to talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

Could My Symptoms Be Endometriosis?

If you are experiencing some symptoms that seem to be getting progressively worse each month then it could be endometriosis. Endometriosis can cause infertility and severe abdominal pain. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and it is only discovered when you experience infertility and go for a diagnosis.
Usually pelvic pain is the number one complaint among women with endometriosis. Pain generally worsens as menstruation approaches and lessens when it is over. Pain can be severe or mild and the pain level is not a good indicator of how severe or widespread the endometriosis is. Many women say that they have extreme pain during pelvic exams or intercourse. Endometriosis is a progressive disease and symptoms generally get worse and more noticeable over time.
Irregular or heavy periods are common with endometriosis patients. Back pain is also a common complaint. If the endometrial implants are near nerves or cause scar tissue to grow, then pain can become severe. Some other symptoms of endometriosis include constipation, diarrhea, and blood in the urine. If endometriosis spreads to the lungs or brain, then severe headaches, seizures and coughing up blood are possible signs. It is rare for endometriosis to spread this far. It is normally localized in the lower abdomen and affects the ovaries and uterus.
If you are having any symptoms of endometriosis it is important to see your doctor right away. This is especially true if fertility is a concern. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, it could be very important to see an infertility specialist as soon as possible. Since endometriosis is a progressive disease, there can be little time to waste. Consider immediate diagnosis and treatment if you plan on having children.
The only way for endometriosis to be definitively diagnosed is through a laparoscopic exploratory surgery. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and can give your doctor a clear view of your uterus, ovaries and surrounding abdominal cavity. They can also take biopsies of suspicious tissues during this procedure.
Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia and is done through a very small opening in your belly. First, the doctor will inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide. This gives them a lot of room to look around. The laparoscope is a long thin tube that allows the surgeon to look for implants and take biopsies.
If endometriosis is found, then medications may be prescribed or surgery may need to be performed. Treatment can depend on whether or not infertility is a concern.
Do not delay seeking treatment if you suspect endometriosis. No one should ever ignore endometriosis symptoms or assume that they are normal menstrual pains.
About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT.