Systems AffectedDiagnosisA doctor will ask the patient to describe symptoms, the location of pain, and where it occurs. If these symptoms fall within the jurisdiction of endometriosis, then the doctor will conduct specific tests to determine if the patient has endometriosis.
Pelvic Exam: During this test the doctor will feel around the pelvis area for abnormalities, such as cysts on reproductive organs or scars behind the uterus. It is often not possible to feel small areas of endometriosis, unless they have caused a cyst to form. Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency waves to create images of the inside of the body. A transducer is inserted into the vagina to capture the images. Performing an ultrasound will not definetively tell the doctor whether or not the patient has endometriosis, but it can identify cysts associated with endometriosis. Laparoscopy: Medical management is usually tried first but to be certain the patient has endometriosis, a surgeon has to look inside the abdomen for signs of endometriosis. This surgical procedure is called laparoscopy. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a tiny viewing instrument into the pelvis via a small cut near the navel to look for endometrial tissue on the outside of the uterus and may take samples of the tissue. This surgery can provide information about the location, extent and size of the endometrial implants, in order to determine the best methods of treatment. |
TreatmentsHormone therapy
Affects body processes by regulating the activity of the organs. Unfortunately hormone therapy is not a permanent fix or cure Medication includes:
Conservative Surgery Having surgery to remove excess endometriosis as possible while preserving your ovaries and reproductive system may provide relief and also future success with pregnancy. Hysterectomy Surgery to remove uterus and cervix may be the only option if the Endometriosis is severe. Life ExpectancyNon-detrimental. While it may produce symptoms, hormone treatment, medication, and various other methods are used to counteract the symptoms. While the treatment may also produce symptoms, there is no effect that it has on life expectancy. Many women however, experience terrible menstrual cramps.
Case StudyA 39 year old woman who had been trying to conceive for eight years.
A 19 year old girl with chronic pelvic pain. |