Approximately one out of every ten women experiences the potentially debilitating endometriosis condition at their reproductive age. This gynecological condition can lead to difficulty getting pregnant and pelvic pain. The thought that you may have endometriosis can be difficult, but the good news is that it is very manageable and treatable. At Dekalb Women’s Specialists in Lithonia, Decatur, and Stone Mountain, Georgia, Dr. Kathleen Johnson, and the team will help you find an effective treatment path and manage your symptoms. To schedule a consultation with experienced gynecologists, contact Dekalb Women’s Specialists or schedule an appointment online.
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What Is Endometriosis?
Babies develop in the uterus, which is a hollow organ at the top of the vagina. The uterus is usually lined with a tissue known as the endometrium that bleeds out as menstrual blood during menstruation. In some women, the endometrium grows outside the uterus, a condition referred to as Endometriosis. Some of the common areas for the endometrium’s abnormal growth are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. The displaced tissue responds to menstrual cycle hormones and bleeds every month, similar to the uterus lining. However, if the tissue is not in the uterus, it has no way to leave the body and form adhesions, scar tissue, and cysts. Scars or adhesions on the fallopian tubes or ovaries can cause infertility.
Which Are The Symptoms Of Endometriosis?
Some women can have endometriosis and lack notice because the condition can occur without causing symptoms. Women mostly get diagnosed in their 30s and 40s but might have disruptive symptoms for years before the diagnosis. Pain that can vary in severity is the common endometriosis symptom. Other common symptoms include severe menstrual pain, pain during intercourse, chronic pelvic pain, intestinal pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and pain during urination.
What Should You Expect During Endometriosis Diagnosis?
Your gynecologists can use various methods to help endometriosis diagnosis, including ultrasound, pelvic exam, and an MRI. However, to confirm the diagnosis, you might require a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure. The gynecologists insert a thin tube with a laparoscope (light and camera) to assess the tissue in your uterus and search for endometrial tissue. Dekalb Women’s Specialists have all the necessary facilities that provide advanced technology in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.
How Is Endometriosis Treated?
Endometriosis treatment is customized based on your symptoms, the extent of your endometriosis overgrowth, and your future pregnancy plans. If you are not planning to get pregnant, you can minimize your symptoms with medications or birth control pills that suppress hormone fluctuations. If you are trying to get pregnant or, the condition affects your quality of life, and the diagnosis indicates scarring on your oviduct. In that case, the gynecologist may suggest laparoscopic surgery to assess the scarring severity and remove the damaged tissue if possible.
In conclusion, at Dekalb Women’s Specialists, endometriosis treatment plans are personalized to your individual needs. The team of specialists is dedicated to providing excellent care to women with endometriosis. If you have symptoms that suggest you may be having endometriosis, call or book an appointment with Dekalb Women’s Specialists online today for a thorough evaluation and treatment.