When it comes to your health, listening to your body and following your gut are key skills. Just ask the six million women in the US living with endometriosis. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 1 in 10 women will develop endometriosis. Thirty percent to fifty percent of all infertile women have it. Although endometriosis is common, it remains one of the most confusing conditions for women and OBs. The Endometriosis Foundation of America estimates that many women wait as long Ten years for proper diagnosis. As more and more women wait longer to start a family, this diagnosis usually comes in their thirties and forties. If you’re wondering if you or a woman you care about might have endometriosis, read on to learn about treatment options.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is uterus-like tissue that grows outside the uterus, in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in severe cases, even the bladder, kidneys, intestines, and rectum. Endometriosis is fed by the female hormone estrogen. That’s why doctors prescribe birth control pills or other drugs to women who aren’t trying to get pregnant. Medicines can block estrogen and relieve pain. But for those trying to conceive, other medical treatments are usually needed. Endometriosis can start as early as a girl’s first period and last afterward menopause, especially in severe cases where significant scar tissue is present. This endometrial tissue causes irritation to the surfaces it touches, which leads to pain and adhesions in the organs. Women with endometriosis may experience mild to severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, mid-cycle bleeding, and often have difficulty conceiving or becoming pregnant.
The relationship between endometriosis and infertility
How does endometriosis cause infertility? Along with adhesions, many elements of endometriosis collectively affect fertility.
Inflammation from endometriosis produces “unfriendly” molecules. These molecules can paralyze a sperm and egg and prevent the fertilization process.
Endometriosis also distorts a woman’s pelvic anatomy and scars the fallopian tubes.
It alters immune system functions and causes hormonal changes that can affect egg quality.
It can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
Symptoms of endometriosis
Every woman’s anatomy is different, as is every case of endometriosis. Some women will experience all of the symptoms listed below. Others experience only infertility.
Pelvic pain
Pain during sex and/or with ovulation
Fatigue
Backache
Painful bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea
Infertility
Types of endometriosis
Endometriosis ranges from mild to severe, depending on where the endometrial tissue grows and how severe a woman’s symptoms are. About one in four women with mild endometriosis does not need treatment and the condition resolves on its own. However, other women experience “silent endometriosis” – no symptoms other than unexplained infertility. These women are usually led to IVF. And without proper diagnosis, IVF cycles ultimately fail.
Pregnant with endometriosis
Awareness is the first step to getting the right treatment for endometriosis and infertility. Pay attention to your body. Monitor your symptoms. Note what you experience and when and how often you experience it. Then share your observations with your doctor. Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose. It is often confused with diseases of the bladder, intestine and others. Be alert and vocal.
What can women do?
The most important thing you can do is trust your gut. If you are suffering but have been told there is nothing wrong, don’t settle. If your provider has only done an ultrasound to check for endometriosis, know that this is not enough. The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is with laparoscopic surgery. If this sounds like your experience, it’s time for a second opinion — especially if your OB-GYN doesn’t have a lot of experience diagnosing and treating endometriosis.
And that is possible. According to EndoFound.org, only one hundred US OB-GYNs specialize in advanced laparoscopic surgery. At Kaldas Center, we are proud to be part of the 0.3% specializing in endometriosis. Of absolutely ok, switch providers to get the help you need. It can also help to share experiences with other women diagnosed with endometriosis. Connect with someone you know or join a Facebook group for women diagnosed with endometriosis.
Our approach to endometriosis and infertility
There is no single treatment for endometriosis. The Kaldas Center individualizes your treatment based on the severity of your condition, your age, your symptoms, and whether your endometriosis is affecting your fertility. And we treat the underlying condition of endometriosis, not just infertility.
Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis
Laparoscopic or surgical excision is the best way to diagnose and remove endometriosis and scar tissue. Endometriosis resection restores your normal anatomy and allows the reproductive organs to function more normally. If a doctor says a hysterectomy is the only way to treat your endometriosis, find a new doctor. A hysterectomy does not cure the condition and dramatically affects your fertility. If you are diagnosed with endometriosis, don’t lose hope. Excision surgery, especially when combined with assisted reproductive technologies, can significantly improve infertility — even for women over 35.
We can help
If you think you may have endometriosis, support your health. Get the help you deserve now from the right provider. Call the Kaldas Center at 920-886-2299 the schedule an appointment online.
Sources:
https://kaldascenter.com/specialties/endometriosis/
https://www.endofound.org/infertility
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323508.php
https://www.speakendo.com/living-with-endometriosis/tips-and-stories
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/long-women-diagnosed-endometriosis-61953215
