Endometriosis is a common condition. Between 10% and 15% of women are affected by endometriosis, and many go undiagnosed. Endometriosis does not only affect the reproductive organs; it can spread throughout the pelvic area and even elsewhere in the body. With proper diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, women can manage the symptoms and continue to live their lives without pain, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
To get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis, women need to be familiar with the symptoms. Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue, similar to the tissue which lines the uterus, grows outside the uterus. The tissue turns into endometrial lesions or scarring, potentially causing independent organs to adhere to one another resulting in the following symptoms.
Symptoms of Endometriosis:
- Painful and abnormal periods
- Painful sex
- Reduced fertility
- Bloating
- Painful urination and bowel movements
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
It is not uncommon for women to wait up to seven years for a diagnosis from the onset of their symptoms. Endometriosis is typically challenging to diagnose, but there are several ways for doctors to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will begin with the least invasive diagnostic methods.
Diagnostic methods:
Pelvic exam – this is when a doctor feels your pelvis for abnormalities. They may not be able to feel small areas of endometriosis, but they will be able to feel cysts or scars on your reproductive organs.
CT scan – is a non-invasive method which uses diagnostic imaging to detect abnormalities which won’t show up in an x-ray.
Ultrasound – one of the best options, the ultrasound will capture images using high-frequency sound waves. The ultrasound may be conducted trans-vaginally or externally to detect endometriosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – this method uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of your organs and tissues.
Laparoscopy – is a surgical procedure conducted under general anaesthesia through a small incision near your navel. A laparoscope is inserted to view the tissue and find the location, size, and severity of the endometrial lesions. A tissue sample may be taken for a biopsy at the same time.
How is Endometriosis Treated?
Once the doctor has an accurate diagnosis, along with an understanding of the extent of the endometrial tissue, they can begin with a treatment plan. There are many options available depending on your needs and the severity of the endometrial lesions
Treatments for endometriosis:
Hormonal treatments – there are a wide variety of hormone-based therapies to choose from, such as hormonal contraceptives, aromatase inhibitors, and progestin therapy. These treatments can help manage the pain and halt the growth of the endometrial tissue.
Laparoscopy – when surgery is required to remove the endometrial cysts, the surgeon will remove them using the same method that they may have used to obtain a diagnosis.
Hysterectomy or ovary removal – in severe cases where other treatment methods have failed, a hysterectomy or ovary removal may be necessary. This surgery is extensive; thus, it is not the first option.
Endometriosis is complex to diagnose and treat; however, it is far from impossible. If you have symptoms of endometriosis or feel you are not getting the treatment you need, consider seeing a different doctor or going to a specialist clinic such as Sydney Endometriosis. Get in touch today to book an appointment.
