Have you been suffering from extreme pain during menstruation? Have you experienced painful bowel movements and urination before, during or after menstruation? Is sexual intercourse painful? These are all common side effects of Endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a fairly common condition affecting around 6.3 million American women. The painful condition occurs when the endometrium tissue that usually lines the womb is found outside of the uterus. The most common sites for this abnormal endometrium growth are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the pelvic cavity and the outer surfaces of the uterus. However, it is not unheard of for other areas such as the bowel, ladder, abdominal scarring, cervix, vagina and thighs. In rare cases it may also appear in the lungs and on the arms. The tissue follows the same menstrual cycle as it would inside the womb, but with nowhere to go it can cause internal bleeding, inflammation, pain, infertility and bowel problems.
Treatment & Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Diagnosis of endometriosis can only be confirmed by a laparoscopy procedure under anesthesia. This will determine the exact location, the size and the extent of the tissue growth. Once this has been carried out it becomes easier to decide on the best course of treatment.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition and as such there is no cure. However, it can be treated with the aim of controlling the pain and preventing the symptoms from worsening. One treatment option that is suitable for many women is hormone therapy. This uses a combination of estrogen and progestin to cease menstruation. Often in younger women this can be administered in the form of an oral contraceptive pill. However, older women may prefer a hormone patch or vaginal ring instead. Some other forms of hormone treatment can also be used depending on the individual.
If you have been diagnosed with Endometriosis and would like to explore whether or not hormone treatment could be suitable for you then make an appointment by calling 303-460-0867 today.
