Source: foxbaltimore.com
Endometriosis—it’s not something you hear about every day, but it affects more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the Office of Women’s Health. It’s more common in women in their 30s and 40s.
What is endometriosis?
Continental Clinical defines endometriosis as “abnormal tissue (similar to the tissue found in the uterus) growing outside the uterine lining.” Endometriosis is most commonly found on the:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Tissues that hold the uterus in place
- The outer surface of the uterus
What are the symptoms?
Women with endometriosis may experience pain in the following locations:
- Lower abdomen
- Lower back
- Pelvis
- Rectum
- Vagina
Other symptoms of endometriosis can include heavy menstrual cycles, fatigue, infertility, constipation, or nausea. It’s important to note, endometriosis growths are not cancerous.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Most doctors use laparoscopic surgery to diagnose endometriosis. Laparoscopic surgery allows your doctor to see the tissue inside your pelvis. Laparoscopy is the most accurate way to check for endometriosis. In some cases, your doctor may need tissue samples. Other methods contributing to a diagnosis may include:
- Pelvic exam—allows your doctor to feel for large cysts or scars behind the uterus
- Imaging test—an ultrasound that lets the doctor see any cysts on the ovaries, however, this test will not show smaller growths
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
How is endometriosis treated?
There are limited treatment options for endometriosis, be sure to speak with your doctor about what treatment is best for you. The most common treatments include:
Medication—For women who are not planning to get pregnant, some doctors may prescribe hormonal medication, like birth control, to help alleviate pelvic pain and spotting or bleeding. There are a variety of options, such as the pill, shot, and the intrauterine device (IUD).
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of a new medication, elagolix to “ease the pain of moderate to severe endometriosis,” according to Medical News Today.
Surgery—For women who have severe pain due to endometriosis, surgery is an option. This procedure includes the removal of overgrown tissues.
Trial study
Continental Clinical is conducting research studies for women who have been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis and suffer from moderate to severe pelvic pain. They are dedicated to providing more information and resources to improve women’s health. To see if you may qualify for their research study.
Over the past six years, the staff at Continental Clinic have seen a growth in research done on endometriosis. Continental Clinic has proudly participated in many endometriosis studies since 2013 and will continue to focus on this important women’s health condition.