| If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis then | | | | tissue to grow inhibiting the release of eggs or |
| you probably are wondering about your treatment | | | | blocking the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can even |
| options. Treatment options can vary from person to | | | | distort the anatomy of the uterus. |
| person. This usually depends on whether or not | | | | Many women with endometriosis do not have trouble |
| infertility is a factor. Symptoms can sometimes be | | | | with fertility and it is really a more common problem |
| controlled with over-the-counter pain killers and | | | | for women with more severe cases of |
| anti-inflammatory medications. Birth control pills can be | | | | endometriosis. Unfortunately, endometriosis |
| effective at controlling the growth of endometrial | | | | sometimes goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for |
| implants. But, if endometriosis is severe or has | | | | years before it is discovered. This is because it can |
| affected surrounding organs, then surgery may be | | | | only definitively diagnosed through a laparoscopic |
| the only option for you. | | | | surgery. Many women only have this procedure done |
| Surgery is sometimes recommended if medications | | | | when they see an infertility specialist about fertility |
| fail to control the endometriosis. Sometimes | | | | issues. |
| medicines are not an option. For example, if you are | | | | Laparoscopic surgery is the surgical method most |
| trying to conceive, then you may not want to take | | | | often used to remove endometrial implants. It is |
| birth control pills or other hormonal treatments. | | | | generally minimally invasive and performed under a |
| Surgery might be one of your only options. | | | | general anesthesia. Implants can be destroyed by |
| If endometriosis is found to be obstructing the | | | | laser or electrical current. They are sometimes cut |
| bowels or distorting other organs then surgery may | | | | out, or excised. The surgeon may need to make |
| be immediately necessary. Removal of the uterus | | | | other small incisions to insert surgical instruments that |
| and/or ovaries may be necessary. If you are trying | | | | allow more complex procedures. Larger incisions are |
| to conceive, then talk to your infertility specialist | | | | rare and are usually only used for major surgeries |
| about treatment options that will allow you to have | | | | involving more organs affected by endometriosis. |
| children. Many surgical procedures do result in | | | | Talk to your surgeon about your procedure. Discuss |
| restored fertility and preserved ovaries and uterus. | | | | the goals of surgery and ask what you can expect. |
| Find a surgeon that is skilled and experienced in | | | | Follow the advice of your surgeon when it comes to |
| endometriosis removal. Ask your infertility specialist | | | | preparation for the surgery as well as how to care |
| about experience and success rates. | | | | for yourself when you get home. Many women need |
| Endometriosis may cause infertility in a few different | | | | ongoing management of their endometriosis even |
| ways. It is believed that the endometrial implants can | | | | after surgery. Laparoscopy endometriosis treatment |
| throw off your hormonal balance. This can affect | | | | can vary from person to person, so it is important to |
| ovulation, fertilization and implantation. Endometriosis | | | | talk to your doctor about what is right for you. |
| around the ovaries and fallopian tubes can cause scar | | | | |