The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus. When this tissue grows somewhere else in the body it is called endometriosis. These abnormal growths may cause mild to severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation. Endometriosis may also be associated with infertility.
Some symptoms you should discuss with your physician:
Frequent urination or burning sensation
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pain or pressure different from menstrual cramps or during intercourse
Soreness, itching, swelling, redness, sores or lumps in the genital area
Treatment for endometriosis can be either medical or surgical. Various oral and injectable hormones are available to help slow the growth of endometriosis. Although significant improvement results from initial treatment in some patients, others have recurring symptoms and persistent disease. Recent studies demonstrate that endometriosis can be managed equally well with laparoscopic removal.
Treatments for Endometriosis:
"Watchful waiting"
Pain medication
Hormone therapy
Surgery
Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the belly button. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera that projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to remove the endometriosis and scarred tissue around it, while preserving the uterus, tubes and ovaries. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.
In some cases, hysterectomy is recommended.
