What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterine lining, also known as endometrium, and is found where it is not supposed to. The tissue that grows outside of the uterus is then called an implant. In rare occasions, an implant is seen in the bowel, rectum, liver, lungs or diaphragm or other locations in the body. Endometriosis can affect women of all ages, but is most common in those between the ages of 25-35. It is not a life-threatening condition, but if it goes untreated, it can cause extensive symptoms, including severe pelvic pain, painful intercourse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and even infertility.
Why does this happen?
It is still unknown why Endometriosis happens, but strong evidence supports the following theory:
Women naturally produce a type of glandular tissue in the uterus called endometrium.
This tissue has 2 main jobs – to protect the inside lining of the uterus and help in the pregnancy process.
Endometrium tissue turns thick and sticky to prepare itself to catch an egg when a woman is ovulating, if there is any to catch. If there is no egg to catch, this thickened tissue should break down on its own to leave the body. When it leaves the body, it turns into a menstrual cycle.
When it does not break down and leave the body, for unknown reason, the endometrial tissue might travel to the pelvic area through the fallopian tubes and create endometrial implant. This implant may cause inflammation on the host organ like ovaries, tubes, rectum, etc. As a result, scar tissue and adhesion will form and cause pelvic pain and infertility.
How is Endometriosis diagnosed?
First, your doctor will go over your health history, discuss symptoms you may be experiencing, and then perform a physical and pelvic exam.
A pelvic exam checks what the vulva, cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina looks like. This exam is a good starting point for determining if you have Endometriosis.
If the doctor feels further testing is necessary, taking an ultrasound of the pelvic area can help determine if there are implants, or growth, outside of the uterus and help in diagnosing Endometriosis.
However, a diagnostic laparoscopy – a surgical procedure to excise the growths and implant) – along with biopsy is the only accurate way to confirm the diagnosis of Endometriosis, and also provide surgical treatment for endometriosis. Most women will need adjuvant medical therapy after a successful surgical excision and fulguration of endometriotic implant.
What can I do if I have endometriosis?
Suffering from endometriosis can limit life activities, cause pain and discomfort, infertility and can lead to inability to work and perform well your social duty. Women who elect to undergo endometriosis-related surgery in Hackensack, NJ make a decision that can help them return to normal life activities, and also increase their fertility. If you’re suffering from persistent pelvic pain or endometriosis-related infertility, you need an experienced minimally invasive gynecologist surgeon. Dr. Shakiba studied the performance of minimally-invasive pelvic surgery during his training at Yale New Haven Hospital, and the prestigious Cleveland clinic foundation and he published and presented multiple articles regarding surgical treatment of endometriosis. He is the Division Director of Urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery for the Department of OBGYN at Hackensack university medical center. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, you need a medical professional at the cutting-edge of minimally invasive laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Surgery is still considered the most medically accepted method for treating a variety of gynecological conditions. In traditional surgery, large incisions are made. This type of surgery carries significant risk of blood loss, nerve damage, and risk to surrounding organs. Fortunately, with modern technology, more minimally invasive options are available to women. Dr. Shakiba uses the da Vinci ® surgical method, a minimally invasive surgical method that can result in faster recovery times and fewer complications. Contact Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, L.L.C. to learn more about how you can get back on the road to feeling better and resuming normal life activities today.
To schedule an appointment, use our online booking tool or call (201) 301-2772 to speak directly to a receptionist today.
