Endometriosis<\/h2>\n
![\"Endometriosis\"](\"https:\/\/www.manhattanspecialtycare.com\/gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Endometriosis.jpg\")
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus. Each month, as part of your menstrual cycle, these tissues thicken, break down and then are expelled from your uterus. When you have endometriosis, endometrial tissue implant outside of the endometrial lining \u2014 in fact, they appear outside of the uterus or on your ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvic lining.<\/p>\n
Your Midtown gynecologist may find endometrial tissues in your vagina, cervix or vulva. But they can also appear completely outside your reproductive system, in places such as your intestines, rectum or bladder. They can even be found, although rarely, in abdominal surgery scars. The endometrial tissue \u2014 regardless of their location and the fact that the tissue has no way to exit your body \u2014 continue their normal cycle of thickening, breaking down and bleeding. \u00a0Signs and symptoms of endometriosis should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a physician \u00a0for an accurate diagnosis, treatment plan can well as follow up.<\/p>\n
Warning Signs<\/h2>\n
The initial signs of endometriosis are abnormally painful menstrual cramps that get worse over time. Endometriosis pain also can occur before you get your period or while having sex. However, while pain is the best-known symptom of endometriosis, you may not always recognize it. Instead, other symptoms may present, such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Fatigue<\/li>\n
- Urination that\u2019s painful during your menstrual cycle<\/li>\n
- Bowel movements that are painful only during your period<\/li>\n
- Other gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during your period<\/li>\n
- Heavy or excessive bleeding during your period, as well as breakthrough bleeding from your uterus in between your menstrual cycles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Because so many different diagnoses may include pelvic pain<\/u><\/a> as a symptom, endometriosis can be hard to differentiate initially from diagnoses such as pelvic inflammatory disease<\/a><\/u>,\u00a0ovarian cysts<\/u><\/a> or irritable bowel syndrome.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important not to let pelvic pain go unchecked. See your local doctor or Midtown gynecologist for evaluation. Some women don\u2019t discover they have endometriosis until they seek assistance in getting pregnant. Certain factors may also put you at higher risk for endometriosis, such as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- If you\u2019ve never given birth<\/li>\n
- If your period started at a younger than usual age<\/li>\n
- If menopause started later than usual<\/li>\n
- If your menstrual cycle is less than the standard 28 days<\/li>\n
- If your body produces higher levels of estrogen<\/li>\n
- If you have a low body mass index or BMI<\/li>\n
- If you consume alcohol<\/li>\n
- If you have one or more relatives who have been diagnosed with endometriosis<\/li>\n
- If you\u2019ve already been diagnosed with a medical condition that disrupts your menstrual cycle<\/li>\n
- If you have any uterine abnormalities<\/li>\n
- If you are Caucasian<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Diagnosing Endometriosis<\/h2>\n
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\nAs with all female reproductive issues, gynecologist in Midtown first performs a pelvic exam. The best way to be sure of a correct diagnosis is to order a test so the Midtown gynecologist, can better see what\u2019s happening with your reproductive organs. Unlike other diagnoses that may need several tests to be sure, endometriosis is generally confirmed using only two tests:<\/p>\n- \n
- Ultrasound<\/strong> can be done in the office and helps identify cysts that may be formed from endometriosis. Growths like cysts or tumors show up on the image, although the test won\u2019t show endometriosis definitively.<\/li>\n
- Laparoscopy<\/strong> for endometriosis is a common procedure used to get a better picture of your organs. In fact, this is the only test that definitely shows whether you have endometriosis. For this test, your doctor puts you under general anesthesia, makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a small scope with a light (a laparoscope). With the scope, New York gynecologist can examine the exterior of your uterus to any endometriosis and its extent. A biopsy may be taken at this time, especially if there are tissues that look suspicious in any way.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Steps After Diagnosis<\/h2>\n
Once you\u2019ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, your midtown gynecologist will explain the stages of the condition, which are based on several factors:<\/p>\n
- \n
- How far and deep the endometrial tissues have spread<\/li>\n
- Whether the tissues have attached to organs, such as your ovaries, and if those organs have been compromised in any way<\/li>\n
- If you have any fallopian tube blockages as a result<\/li>\n
- The presence and severity of pelvic adhesions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Which stage of endometriosis you fall into relates directly to your physical factors: the presence of adhesions or cysts, how many, how deep or severe, and so on.<\/p>\n
Complications of Endometriosis<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Endometriosis cyst<\/li>\n
- Infertility<\/li>\n
- Ovarian cancer<\/li>\n
- Pain<\/li>\n
- Blood loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Endometriosis\u00a0Treatment in Midtown NYC<\/h2>\n
A variety of treatments exist for endometriosis, depending on what stage you\u2019re in and what your pain levels are. As a general rule, surgery is a last resort; your Midtown gynecologist, will tailor your treatment to fit your lifestyle and needs. Diagnosis and treatment plans should always be carefully performed in conjunction with your gynecologist.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Hormonal contraceptives and progestin therapy lighten your period.<\/li>\n
- Estrogen-lowering hormones like the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists. Some newer similar medications like Orlissa may be used also.<\/li>\n
- Danazol is a drug that blocks menstruation.<\/li>\n
- The endometriosis diet is not standard treatment yet, but studies have shown that women who eat a diet low in red meat and high in fruits and vegetables lower their chance of getting endometriosis.<\/li>\n
- Physical activity has been shown to help with several estrogen-dependent conditions, including fibroids, menopause and severe periods.<\/li>\n
- If nothing else works, your local doctor may encourage you to get a complete hysterectomy to relieve your years of painful symptoms. The hysterectomy must be complete \u2014 that is, it must include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix \u2014 to remove estrogen-producing organs. Endometriosis after hysterectomy is no longer possible, and there\u2019s total relief of symptoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Endometriosis is estimated to affect almost 1 in 10 women worldwide<\/p>\n
Endometriosis and infertility are often linked. Women who have failed to get pregnant often discover their endometriosis when going for fertility treatments. Patients already diagnosed who now want to avoid surgery but still try to get pregnant can be directed to infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization.<\/p>\n
Endometriosis doesn\u2019t have to mean painful periods for the rest of your life, nor does it mean you can\u2019t become pregnant. In fact, while pregnant, endometriosis meets a temporary end, and a permanent one with the onset of menopause.<\/p>\n
Important Reminder:<\/b> This information is only intended to provide gynecology guidance, not a definitive medical advice. Please consult obgyn doctor about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced gynecologist or certified gynecology specialist can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.<\/p>\n
- Laparoscopy<\/strong> for endometriosis is a common procedure used to get a better picture of your organs. In fact, this is the only test that definitely shows whether you have endometriosis. For this test, your doctor puts you under general anesthesia, makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a small scope with a light (a laparoscope). With the scope, New York gynecologist can examine the exterior of your uterus to any endometriosis and its extent. A biopsy may be taken at this time, especially if there are tissues that look suspicious in any way.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Ultrasound<\/strong> can be done in the office and helps identify cysts that may be formed from endometriosis. Growths like cysts or tumors show up on the image, although the test won\u2019t show endometriosis definitively.<\/li>\n