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Many women struggle for years with symptoms of endometriosis, and it can often take that long to get an accurate diagnosis. That’s not the case at MAIA! Our team will listen to your concerns, perform an exam, and get to the root of your symptoms.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease in which tissue that’s similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which can lead to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic area. The tissue also acts like the lining of the uterus; it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. This condition can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvis. It can start at a person’s first menstrual cycle and last until menopause.

When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may also form. Bands of fibrous tissue can also cause the tissues and organs in the pelvis to stick together. 

There are several types of lesions that come with endometriosis. They include:

  • Superficial endometriosis found on the pelvic peritoneum
  • Cystic ovarian endometriosis found in the ovaries
  • Deep endometriosis found in the recto-vaginal septum, bladder, and bowel

What Causes Endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but some possible causes that researchers are looking further into include:

  • Retrograde menstruation: This is when menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. The endometrial cells in the blood may stick to the pelvic walls and grow, leading to endometriosis.
  • Transformed peritoneal cells: Hormones or immune factors may transform the cells from the abdomen into cells that look like the inside of the uterus.
  • Embryonic cell changes: Hormones like estrogen may transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like cells during puberty.
  • Surgical scar complication: If you’ve had surgery in the stomach area, you may be at a greater risk for endometriosis. Experts believe that endometrial cells may attach to the scar tissue from the incision made during the surgery.
  • Endometrial cell transport: The blood vessels or tissue fluid system may move endometrial cells to other parts of the body, causing endometriosis.
  • Immune system condition: A problem with the immune system may make the body unable to recognize and destroy endometriosis tissue.

There are some risk factors that have been shown to make someone more likely to develop endometriosis. These risk factors include:

  • Never giving birth
  • Starting your period at an early age
  • Going through menopause at an older age
  • Short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
  • Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
  • Higher levels of estrogen in your body
  • Low body mass index
  • One or more family members with endometriosis
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What to Expect from Endometriosis

Endometriosis often comes with a variety of serious symptoms, including:

  • Severe pelvic or lower back pain, especially during your menstrual period, during sex, or when using the bathroom
  • Heavy bleeding during periods or between periods
  • Trouble getting pregnant
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Depression or anxiety.

While some people have endometriosis without any symptoms, most people have one or more symptoms. Some patients also have trouble getting diagnosed properly. It is often mistaken for pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Endometriosis Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are multiple ways to manage and control the symptoms. The right treatment for you depends on the severity of your symptoms and if you’re looking to get pregnant.

Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics (painkillers) can be prescribed to address the pain that is often associated with endometriosis.

Hormonal medicines like GnRH-analogues and contraceptive options can also help control pain. These include oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, vaginal rings, implants, injections, and patches. These are not suitable for those looking to get pregnant.

Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery can remove endometriosis lesions, adhesions, and scar tissue. A small camera is inserted into a small incision to help your doctor see where to make the incisions to remove the tissues. Unfortunately, lesions and endometrial tissue can recur even after removing it.

In some cases, your provider will do a laparotomy, which involves making a large incision in the abdomen to open it up and remove the endometrial tissue. This is not common, but in some cases, it’s the most effective option.

A hysterectomy is another option. With a hysterectomy, your whole uterus is removed. You will not be able to become pregnant after a hysterectomy. Removing just the ovaries (oophorectomy) is also an option, as it will stop the release of hormones and effectively treat the endometriosis. But without a uterus or ovaries, it will put you into menopause.

Infertility Treatment

Treatment options for infertility due to endometriosis include

  • laparoscopic surgical removal of the affected tissue
  • ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI
  • In vitro fertilization

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at risk for endometriosis?

Anyone who has menstrual periods is at risk for developing endometriosis. Your risk increases if you have a family history of the condition, start your period at an early age, never give birth, or start menopause late.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?

Not everyone with endometriosis will have trouble with fertility. Between 30%-50% of those with endometriosis may experience infertility.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis is diagnosed through a minor laparoscopic procedure. Your surgeon will make a small incision just below your naval before inserting a camera and inflating your abdomen with gas. This gives them room to visualize the tissues surrounding your uterus and ovaries. In some cases, tissue is collected for a biopsy.

Can endometriosis be cured?

There is no cure for endometriosis, but symptoms can be managed with a variety of interventions such as hormone therapy, diet and lifestyle changes, and surgery.

What causes endometriosis?

There is no known cause for endometriosis, but one possible theory is retrograde menstruation. This is when the menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tube, but this can also occur in women who do not have endometriosis.

Can endometriosis cause weight gain?

Endometriosis does not directly cause weight gain, but it can lead to bloating that can feel similar to weight gain.

Can endometriosis cause painful sex?

Painful sex is a very common symptom of endometriosis, with around 45% of those diagnosed with endometriosis reporting dyspareunia as a main symptom. Endometriosis causes scar tissue to form in the pelvis which causes pain, as well as increased nerve activity.

Can you get pregnant if you have endometriosis?

You can get pregnant with endometriosis, but the condition can make it more difficult. Your fertility depends on many factors including age, ovarian reserve, fallopian tube patency, as well as severity and location of endometrial implants.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The primary symptom of endometriosis is extremely painful periods.. This can include severe pelvic pain such as cramping, pain that keeps you from doing your daily activities, pain during or after sex, and pain when using the restroom during your period. Another common symptom is extreme bloating and feelings of sickness during your period.

Who can diagnose endometriosis?

An experienced gynecologist can diagnose endometriosis. It is often suspected clinically based on symptoms, but can only be officially diagnosed through a surgical procedure called laparoscopy.

Schedule A Consultation

Are you ready to finally experience relief from the pain of endometriosis? Take the first step toward treating the condition and getting the help you need and schedule a consultation with MAIA today. Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell provide expert compassionate care and will work with you to address all your concerns. Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or use our online contact form.

Our team happily serves the Chicago, Downers Grove, Aurora, and Naperville, IL areas.

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