Endometriosis

Nearly 10% of women and girls suffer from endometriosis and it is one of the top 3 causes of infertility. Typically endometriosis is a disease that is widely undertreated and the diagnoses can be delayed up to 10 years.

Understanding Your Experience

Despite severe pain that can be described as "intense" or "overwhelming", many women have experienced their symptoms being normalized. Although pain can be common, it should not be trivialized, especially by those in the medical field. This leads to a delay in receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis. Meanwhile, relationships, family, and work are affected.

We believe women are the authorities of their own narratives. Effective communication is essential to providing a complete picture of each woman's goals and preferences. Our clinic values communication with our patients so that they can have their health concerns heard and addressed.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is when the uterine lining abnormally implants in areas outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can cause symptoms like painful periods, pain with sexual activity, and gastrointestinal and urinary tract difficulties. Often, these symptoms are more problematic just before or during periods.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Painful menstrual cycles/periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Bloating, diarrhea, constipation
• Infertility
• Chronic pain

If undiagnosed for a long time, additional symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Interstitial cystitis/PBS
• Small intestinal bowel overgrowth

Endometriosis Treatment & Management Options

Treatment depends on the goals of the patient and generally starts with medical management to control pain and inflammation. When patients have infertility or poor response to medications, surgery can help. When surgery is required, we offer endometriosis resections with minimally invasive procedures. This offers the following benefits to your care and recovery: ⦁ Quicker recovery⦁ Less adhesion formation⦁ Less post-op pain and less time in the hospital⦁ Earlier return to work

However, surgery with endometriosis can be complicated by adhesions to the bowel or involvement of the bladder. A special type of ultrasound called dynamic ultrasound, or MRI, can help us determine if there are bowel adhesions before surgery. We work closely with colorectal surgeons who can discuss the risks and benefits of surgical resection.

Our Holistic Approach

Eighty percent of women with endometriosis also have another pain generator, in addition to endometriosis, that contributes to their pain. Our clinic has a holistic approach that addresses all of a patient's pain generators.

We work closely with physical therapists. We understand that the adaptations the body made for coping with endometriosis pain for many years can not be solved with surgery alone. There may be muscle spasms, nerve hypersensitivity, sexual dysfunction, and postural alignment problems. To treat a person fully, these issues must be addressed as well.

Many women with endometriosis also have symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and painful bowel movements. These are the same symptoms seen in irritable bowel syndrome, and many women with endometriosis will suffer from both diseases. We have gastroenterologists and dieticians who can help diagnose and treat these symptoms.

We understand that endometriosis can lead to a decreased quality of like. Chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, and infertility, can lead to a negative sense of self. This can contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety, which may in turn lead to increases in pain level. Having a strong support system or practicing meditation and mindfulness can help some individuals. For others, working with mental health specialists is a key component in treating all the pain triggers.

We encourage all women who received their care with us to make their own choices through truly informed consent. We are here to be a partner in their healthcare, and help them regain their quality of life.