Endometriosis is a disease that affects somewhere between 5 percent and 10 percent of women in the United States today. It is a progressive disease that can lead to very painful symptoms, and in many cases infertility. The only way to definitively diagnose this disease is by doing a laparoscopy procedure.
We may prescribe medication that can prevent ovulation, and this can minimize pain. However, the recurrence rate after medical treatment is still high, and using medicine to alleviate the pain does not do anything to address the possibility of infertility.
Surgical treatments can be used to increase pregnancy rates, so we usually prefer this as a starting treatment if a person is battling with infertility associated with the endometriosis. Surgery has also been seen as a better option when it comes to pain relief over the long-term. It is more effective than simply using medicine.
Endometriosis is identified by the presence of endometrial tissue on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or other sites where it should not be. The symptoms it produces are extreme pain, discomfort and infertility.
When surgery is performed to address endometriosis, the goal is to get rid of the endometrial lesions. While endometriosis is likely to continue to be a problem as long as menstruation continues, the symptoms can be controlled or modulated with the right treatment at our office.
Endometriosis is usually diagnosed when a woman is between the ages of 25 and 29. The diagnosis is made in most cases because of infertility as opposed to a response to pain. Researchers have seen a genetic link in endometriosis. So, if other women in your family have it, your chances of having it as well are greatly increased.
A good portion of women who are diagnosed with endometriosis are asymptomatic. And a good portion of women who complain of about having pelvic pain are later found to have endometriosis.
Doctors will almost always consider endometriosis as an option in any woman who is of reproductive age and complains of pelvic pain. Often times, there is pain in the back that gets worse during menses. In some instances, rectal pain may be present as well.
Treatment will range from medical treatment to surgical treatment, depending on the progression of the disease. During a consultation with our specialist at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine, you can learn about your treatment options for your particular case. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Fort Worth.