What are the causes of endometriosis?
Although the exact cause is not certain, your endometriosis specialist in Melbourne may offer the following explanations:
What are the signs and symptoms of endometriosis?
The symptoms of endometriosis vary widely from woman to woman and the severity of symptoms is not necessarily related to the severity of the condition. While some women have few or no symptoms, others experience severe and incapacitating pain that recurs each month for many years. Your endometriosis specialist in Melbourne will help characterise the following symptoms:
Many women think that painful periods are normal. If you have bad period pain, you should see your local endometriosis specialist in Melbourne, Dr. Alex Polyakov. The anticipation of recurrent pain or discomfort each month may also lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. It is important to acknowledge these emotional difficulties that may arise from endometriosis.
What are the related disorders that occur with endometriosis?
Endometriosis can be associated with infertility and ovarian cancer.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
When you present to your doctor’s clinic with severe pelvic pain, your medical history is reviewed and a thorough physical examination performed. Your endometriosis specialist in Melbourne will likely order an ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound to view the reproductive organs for cysts.
The standard diagnosis for endometriosis is a laparoscopic procedure, where a lighted tube called a laparoscope is inserted into your pelvic region through your belly button. The images captured by the camera on the laparoscope are relayed on a big screen for your doctor to see clearly. A biopsy or a sample of the suspected tissue is removed for further examination and confirmation of endometriosis.
Is diagnosis needed
Diagnosis with the laparoscopy may not be required in most cases. Your endometriosis specialist in Melbourne may suspect endometriosis just by your symptoms, a physical exam and an ultrasound. If you do not intend to get pregnant immediately, you can discuss the need for an invasive procedure such as laparoscopy surgery.
What are the stages of endometriosis?
There are four stages (stage I to IV) of endometriosis based on the location, size, depth and extent of its implantation into the foreign tissue, presence of scar tissue and its severity, and the presence and size of endometrial tissue in the ovaries. The stages do not determine the extent of pain or other symptoms, or chances of infertility.
Superficial implantation with mild scarring is classified under minimal or mild stage. Moderate and severe forms of endometriosis are characterised by cysts and severe scarring. Stage IV endometriosis is characterised by infertility.
What are the treatment options for endometriosis?
There is no cure for endometriosis but pain relief and pregnancy can be achieved by the following methods:
Often, surgery is combined with medical therapy either before the procedure to decrease the size of the lesion or after, to lower the chances of recurrence.
What are the consequences of not treating endometriosis?
Left untreated, endometriosis can remain as it is or become more severe. Mild forms of endometriosis may improve with time and most often resolve after menopause. Your decision to treat or not to treat is based on balancing the effects of endometriosis on your life and the risks of treatment.
When should I consider watchful waiting of endometriosis?
Your endometriosis specialist in Melbourne may suggest watchful waiting if you have mild endometriosis, to observe the course of the disease and if you are approaching menopause.
