What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue lining your uterus is present on other organs inside your body as well. Endometriosis is usually found in your lower abdomen, or pelvis, but can appear anywhere in your body. Women with endometriosis often experience lower abdominal pain, painful periods, or pain while having sex. Sometimes, women may have a hard time becoming pregnant. Other times, some women with endometriosis may not experience any symptoms at all.
What causes endometriosis?
There are many different theories for the possible reasons you could develop endometriosis. Some possible explanations include:
- Retrograde menstruation: Your lymphatic system deposits endometrial tissue in unusual locations through your Fallopian tubes into your pelvic and abdominal cavities.
- Coelomic metaplasia: Areas lining your pelvic organs possess primitive cells that could develop into endometrial tissue.
- Immune system: Problems with the immune system can prevent the destruction of certain endometrial tissue.
- Genetics: If you have a close family member who has had endometriosis, you’re more likely to develop endometriosis.
How can you diagnosis endometriosis?
Dr. Chandrasekhara performs a laparoscopy -- a surgery where she takes a sample of your tissue that she suspects to be an endometriosis lesion. During a laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Chandrasekhara views your abdomen with a camera she inserts through your belly button. Using this method, Dr. Chandrasekhara can find endometriosis within your abdomen and on or within your ovaries.
How can you treat endometriosis?
Although there is not a cure for endometriosis, there are a few options that Dr. Chandrasekhara can suggest to help manage your condition. A few of these options include:
- Medication: Medication is the most conservative therapy for endometriosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, may help with your pain. Dr. Chandrasekhara may prescribe medications that affect your hormones, such as birth control pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to help alleviate your pain as well.
- Surgery: Dr. Chandrasekhara can surgically remove your endometrial tissue or burn the endometriosis lesions outside of your uterus to make them go away. She can also use surgery to rid your body of the scar tissue so that your ovaries and tubes can shift to their normal location in your pelvis. Surgery can help to alleviate pain, as well as helping you to become pregnant. However, if you aren’t interested in becoming pregnant, removing your ovaries and possibly your uterus may be your solution.
If you suspect you might be suffering from endometriosis, call Dr. Chandrasekhara, or schedule an appointment online.
