Reedsburg Area Medical Center Health

Endometriosis - What is it?

Endometriosis is a painful disorder affecting the female reproductive organs. The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus extending to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the tissue lining the pelvis.

With endometriosis, the endometrial tissues affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic lining act how the endometrium would. It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds in response to menstrual changes. However, because the shredded tissues and blood have no way to exit the body, they become trapped within the affected organ.

Symptoms

The trapped menstrual debris causes a variety of symptoms in the woman with endometriosis:

• chronic pelvic pain
• painful periods
• painful bowel movements
• pain during and/or after sexual intercourse
• abdominal bloating and nausea
• painful urination
• fatigue
• depression or anxiety

Causes

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but some factors are linked to the development of the condition:

Retrograde menstruation. Happens when menstrual particles containing endometrial tissues travel through the fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing implantation and growth.

Cellular metaplasia. Occurs when cells change from one cell type to another.

Diagnosis

Medical practitioners may suspect endometriosis based on the symptoms of the patient and confirm it through the following procedures: 

• Pelvic exam. Reveals any cysts, lesions, or scars around the uterus.
• Imaging tests. CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds can provide a detailed image of the uterus and surrounding organs.
• Laparoscopy. With the use of a camera-lit tube (laparoscope) inserted in the uterus, the doctor will have a clear visualization of the current appearance of the female reproductive tract. This can also assess the extent of lesions and is the only way to certainly diagnose endometriosis.
• Biopsy. The doctor takes a small tissue sample during a laparoscopy to be sent for microscopic studies and confirm the presence of endometrial tissue.

Treatment

Pain medications

Due to the severe pain caused by endometriosis, affected women may take over-the-counter pain medications to relieve the discomfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) work for most cases, but if they do not offer any relief, the doctor may prescribe other medication options.

Hormonal therapy

Taking hormonal supplements helps relieve pain and suppress the progression of the condition. This option lowers the amount of estrogen in the body and stops menstruation. This helps in reducing the bleeding along the lesions resulting in reduced inflammation, scarring, and cyst formation.

Hormone options 

• Birth control pills
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists such as elagolix sodium (Orilissa) or leuprolide (Lupron)
• Progestin-only contraceptives
• Danazol (Danocrine)

Surgery

Conservative surgery is offered to women who experience pain that does not respond to medication and hormonal treatment and women who want to get pregnant. This form of surgery is done through laparoscopy with the goal of removing the endometrial growths without damaging the affected organ. 

In some cases, where endometriosis is severe, and the woman no longer plans to give birth or can no longer bear a child, total removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy) is suggested. This option is the last resort when all other options fail to deliver positive results.

Reedsburg Area Medical Center helps women with endometriosis.

Reedsburg Area Medical Center is an institution that helps promote female reproductive wellness with the help of state-of-the-art facilities and expertly trained medical professionals. Our team at RAMC offers a holistic approach to treating the patient’s condition to ensure that all aspects of her life are attended to when addressing her medical symptoms.

If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms of endometriosis, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or one of our OB/GYN providers to begin your treatment plan to help you achieve optimal health.

References:

https://www.who.int/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/