10% of women having children have endometriosis. It is an overgrowth of the endometrium. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. Jackson Heights Endometriosis doctors offer advanced treatment and diagnosis.
The endometrium cells are present in the uterus, and every month, this layer of endometrial cells sheds. In endometriosis, these cells are present in abnormal locations like the anus or rectum. These cells also shed monthly, just like the cells of the uterus.
Endometrium shed in the uterus has a clear pathway for an exit. In contrast, cells present in abnormal locations do not have a clear exit and lead to pain, internal bleeding, or infertility.
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Diagnosis:
Endometriosis is a complicated condition to be diagnosed. Women face pain and abnormal menstrual cycles, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed.
Ways to diagnose endometriosis:
- Pelvic exam: the doctor physically palpates the lower abdomen, looking for cysts on the uterus ovary or any other reproductive organ. Also, he can find scars on these organs. This is a complex and unreliable procedure in the case of small overgrowths.
- Ultrasound: this is a type of imaging done with the help of sound waves. A transducer can be pressed on the abdomen to get the images, or the doctor can perform a transvaginal ultrasound, in which he inserts the transducer into the vagina. This method cannot predict if you have endometriosis, but it can indeed identify the cysts formed due to endometriosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging: this method uses magnetic waves to give detailed images of the internal organs and tissues. This method gives the surgeon a precise idea about the location and size of the endometrial overgrowth.
- Laparoscopy: In this method, the surgeon makes a small incision below the navel and inserts a laparoscope to view the internal organs of the abdomen.
Treatment:
Endometriosis is treated symptomatically; the doctor prescribes drugs to maintain a regular menstrual cycle and hormonal drugs. Doctors also prescribe painkillers to manage the pain caused due to overgrowth.
Some medicines lead to natural hormone production blocks and lead to temporary menopause and the symptoms associated with it.
In some cases, the doctor suggests removing the overgrowth surgically; this method helps the female to have children. This surgery is done laparoscopically, so the recovery is quick and easy.
In extremely severe cases, the surgeon may suggest removing the entire uterus surgically. This process is known as hysterectomy. In severe conditions, this is the only option.
You should contact your nearest doctor to get the best care possible. If not treated in time, it can lead to severe irreversible complications.