Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the growth of something similar to uterine tissue outside the uterus, ovaries, and tubes. The tissue can spread to your bladder or intestines, causing pain, intense cramping, heavy and irregular periods, and pain during sex. The abnormal location of the tissue can irritate the internal organs that it touches. Eventually, the tissue growth will progress to scar formation or what’s called adhesions, causing a worsening of the symptoms and complications affecting other parts of the reproductive system.
Endometriosis and Infertility
Nearly half of women who are infertile have endometriosis, and the condition is closely tied to difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis is a top cause of infertility, and it usually requires surgery for patients to achieve relief from symptoms. Why endometriosis may cause infertility has to do with the effect of the abnormal growth of tissue on the pelvis, a hormonal environment inhospitable to the eggs (which prevent implantation), and the scarring that develops due to the condition.
Staging
The doctor stages endometriosis according to the location, amount, and depth of the tissue growth. Patients with stage 1 endometriosis have little to no scarring found on the reproductive organs. Stage 2 means there is a presence of deep implants. Stage 3 means there are many deep implants as well as cysts found on the ovaries. Adhesions are also present in patients with stage 3 endometriosis. Stage 4 endometriosis means many deep endometrial implants, large cysts on the ovaries, and a greater number of adhesions. Women with stage 4 endometriosis have the greatest difficulty in getting pregnant.
Treatment
Women diagnosed with advanced endometriosis who wish to become pregnant need treatment that entails surgery. Endometriosis surgery is usually performed using a laparoscope — which is a long and thin instrument with a fiber-optic camera at the end. The doctor inserts the laparoscope through small incisions on the abdomen for better viewing. During laparoscopy, the surgeon performs a combination of excision and electrocautery techniques to destroy the endometrial implants, remove cysts and scar tissue, and repair blocked fallopian tubes. Laparoscopic surgery usually leaves no scars. Recovery takes a maximum of four weeks.
After laparoscopic surgery, the normal function of reproductive organs will be restored, which increases your chances of getting pregnant. Other than surgery, medical therapy may also be prescribed to patients who want to increase their chances of getting pregnant.
Endometriosis Treatment in North Miami, FL
Are you experiencing symptoms of endometriosis and are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant? Our OB/GYN specialists at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center are highly qualified in diagnosing and treating endometriosis at all stages. We usually recommend hormone therapies to patients with minimal to mild endometriosis and successfully perform laparoscopic surgery for our patients with moderate to severe endometriosis. Regardless of the staging, all patients receive personalized and attentive care from our entire team.
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment with our OB/GYNs, call (305) 981-0231 or use our convenient online request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you.