Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue (endometrial) grows outside of the uterus.
By being misplaced the tissue does not evacuate each month in the form of a woman's monthly period, as does normal uterine tissue.
This leads to scarring and excess tissue growth in places is should not be.
Many women do not know they have it until finding out as part of an infertility diagnosis.
Cases can be mild to severe with corresponding effects on fertility.
As one would expect treatments vary with the severity.
If symptoms are mild then no treatment at all may be the proper course of action.
The first step in treatment is medication.
Treatment with medication employs basically two options.
The first is very simple, over the counter pain relievers or if needed prescription pain relievers.
The second becomes more complicated.
It is known that symptoms of endometriosis improve with pregnancy and after menopause.
Hormonal treatments are used to fool the body into thinking it is in one of these states.
Oral contraceptives and progesterone are two types of treatment that induce a pregnancy like state.
Other hormonal treatments focus on stopping the monthly cycle.
This relieves symptoms of endometriosis by stopping the monthly cycle of additional misplaced tissue and subsequent scarring and pain.
If medications are not sufficient then surgical options are available.
Surgery may be accompanied by continued medication.
The first surgical step is a combination diagnostic procedure and treatment.
A laparoscopy can be performed to detect the presence of endometriosis.
If endometriosis is detected the endometrial tissue can be removed during the same procedure.
A laparoscopy is a conservative treatment consisting of a small tube like incision in which a camera and other instruments can be inserted giving the surgeon a very clear view.
Removal of the tissue is accomplished using, heat, electricity or lasers.
This procedure leaves a woman's reproductive organs intact.
A less common surgery is called a laparotomy or abdominal exploration.
This procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen and exploring for and removing endometrial tissue through the incision.
It is a much more major surgery requiring a hospital stay.
The result and goal of the surgery is the same as a laparoscopy.
A laparotomy is used less frequently than a laparoscopy.
It will be up to you and your physician to decide what is the correct procedure based upon your condition.
Endometriosis is a recurring condition.
Women trying to get pregnant may undergo more than one laparoscopy.
Surgical and medical treatments are combined to give the best results.
Surgical results can be improved when combined with medications.
Women trying to conceive must take advantage of the window of opportunity that surgery provides.
Conception chances are optimal 6 months to one year after a laparoscopy for example.
Having endometriosis does not mean you will not have a baby.
Some women with mild symptoms have fertility rates that are the same as women without it.
There are treatments and options.
Early diagnosis and action are your best bet.