One in 10 women of childbearing age – an estimated 176 million worldwide – suffers from endometriosis. The symptoms, however, can often be mistaken for other conditions that cause pelvic pain, which makes endometriosis a difficult disorder to diagnose. Dr. Marlena Mattingly Masavage, a board-certified OBGYN with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, answers some frequently asked questions about endometriosis.
I’ve suffered for years with painful menstrual cycles. Could it be endometriosis?
Painful periods are a common symptom of endometriosis, a condition in which tissue from the uterine lining develops outside the uterus in other areas of the pelvis. These lesions can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue on surrounding organs.
Other symptoms can include pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive menstrual bleeding, and infertility.
Read More: Get Help for Uterine Fibroids
What causes endometriosis and how is it diagnosed?
We don’t fully understand why women develop the condition, but scientists believe there may be a genetic link.
The only way to know for certain that you have endometriosis is to undergo laparoscopic surgery. The procedure allows the surgeon to look for signs of endometrial tissue.
Does endometriosis cause infertility?
There does seem to be a connection. Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis have a hard time getting pregnant. However, pregnancy with endometriosis is not impossible. Some treatments could improve your chances. If you are concerned about infertility and endometriosis, talk to your OBGYN about your options.
Are there any effective treatments?
Yes. The conservative approach starts with medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to ease painful menstrual cramps. Hormone therapy, including birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings, may also be used to slow the growth of endometrial tissue.
If hormone therapy doesn’t alleviate the chronic pelvic pain or if a patient is trying to become pregnant, the next step would be laparoscopic surgery to remove the tissue growths. While the pain will subside for a period of time, the tissue almost always grows back.
After surgery, your physician may recommend a Lupron Depot shot to stop the body’s production of estrogen, which causes endometrial tissue to grow. The recommended duration of treatment is no more than six months.
Another option is the new, FDA-approved oral medication marketed under the brand name Orilissa. It can be taken for up to two years, but because it reduces the production of estrogen, patients experience menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and mood swings.
Can endometriosis be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. The condition usually develops after the onset of menstruation, and although symptoms may go away after menopause, there is no guarantee that will happen. Having a hysterectomy prior to menopause may help.
If you are experiencing symptoms like those described above, speak with an OBGYN. Schedule an appointment with one today.