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706-864-3400
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706-216-2345
Testimonials
I wanted to thank you all for the wonderful care and compassion I have received from you all. It is the greatest comfort to have faith and trust in the doctors and staff, especially when things don’t go the way I planned! - Anna B |
| Endometriosis |
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OVERVIEW — The normal tissue that lines the uterus and bleeds during the menstrual period is called the endometrium. Endometriosis is a noncancerous disorder in which tissue that is similar to the endometrium develops outside of the uterus. Typically this occurs in the pelvis, but it may occur in virtually any part of the body. The most common locations for endometriosis are: the outer surface of the ovaries, peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdomen) and peritoneal structures (the area behind the uterus and the various ligaments that hold the uterus in place), uterus, fallopian tubes, bowel, and bladder. Most women have endometriosis in more than one location.
SYMPTOMS — Endometriosis may have no signs or symptoms. In those who do have symptoms, the intensity of the symptoms (eg, amount of pain and bleeding) does not always correlate with the severity or amount of endometriosis. For example, it is possible to have mild endometriosis with severe pelvic pain. PAIN— For many women, severe pelvic pain is the main symptom of endometriosis. Pelvic pain usually occurs just before or during menses or during or after sex. Other symptoms may include pain during bowel movements, spotting before the menstrual period, frequent or heavy uterine bleeding, and pain during urination. Painful periods may worsen over a period of years. Pelvic pain is probably the result of bleeding from areas of endometriosis and release of substances that cause pain (eg, prostaglandins). Endometriosis implants respond to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, similar to the normal endometrium. Thus, at the end of the menstrual cycle, small amounts of endometrial tissue are shed and bleeding occurs.
ENDOMETRIOMAS (CHOCOLATE CYSTS) — Endometriomas are areas of endometriosis that are large enough to be considered a mass or growth. They are usually filled with old blood that resembles chocolate syrup; thus, they are sometimes called chocolate cysts. Endometriomas may be seen during a pelvic ultrasound, although only surgery can confirm that the mass is an endometrioma. DIAGNOSIS — Endometriosis is rarely diagnosed before menarche (the first menstrual period of a woman's life) and new cases are seldom diagnosed after menopause (the last menstrual period of a woman's life). Endometriosis may be suspected based upon a woman's symptoms of pelvic pain and heavy menstrual periods. However, the diagnosis must be confirmed during surgery. There are no blood tests or imaging tests that can make a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis. SURGICAL EVALUATION — Laparoscopy and laparotomy are surgical procedures that are commonly used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. Both procedures are usually done in an operating room after the woman has received general anesthesia to induce sleep and prevent pain. After laparoscopy most women go home the same day. After laparotomy most women go home after spending one to three nights in the hospital. STAGING — Surgery can help to determine the extent and location of disease (called staging) and treat the disorder. To stage the disease, the surgeon assigns points based upon the size, depth, and location of endometriosis implants. TREATMENT — There are several treatment options for women with endometriosis:
The treatment strategy depends upon whether the woman's major concern is pain, infertility, or a pelvic mass. PREVENTION — There is no proven way to prevent endometriosis. Reducing the number of periods and amount of bleeding during the menstrual period may reduce the risk. Having one or more pregnancies or using a hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may be beneficial
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