Endometriosis is a fairly common disease among women, but there is still a lot of research going into learning how to diagnose, treat, and cure it. NCCRM is a fertility and gynecology clinic in Durham NC. We can help with a wide variety of treatment options for different reproductive diseases or other ailments, help you with egg freezing, how to donate eggs in NC, and more. We also pride ourselves in helping our patients with diagnoses and treatments for diseases such as endometriosis. We offer several treatment options for women dealing with endometriosis, both surgical and non-surgical. Here are some ways that we can help patients with endometriosis feel more like themselves.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can occur when the endometrial tissue that naturally grows inside the uterus grows outside of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium breaks down and bleeds, but the tissue growing outside of the uterus has no way of escaping the body. This can cause immense amounts of pain and eventually cause scar tissue to develop. Endometriosis can lead to infertility if not treated, but there are effective treatments to help.
Surgical Treatment
While surgical treatment might not be the first choice for most women, a laparoscopy with removal is one of the most recommended ways to significantly reduce pain while also preserving fertility. During this procedure, the doctor will make two incisions, inserting the laparoscope in one and tools to remove endometrial tissue in the other. This procedure will temporarily reduce pain during menstrual periods, but the tissue and pain could return. This procedure can be paired with NSAIDs or a hormone medication to reduce pain and hold off the regrowth of endometrial tissues outside of the uterus.
To completely get rid of the endometrial tissues outside of the uterus and for a smaller percentage of endometrial regrowth, a complete hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries is another option. However, this method is not necessarily recommended. The removal of ovaries results in menopause, which can improve pain, but any endometrial tissues that remain can continue to cause problems. Early menopause can also be a higher risk for certain metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
A hysterectomy while leaving the ovaries can be done to help with pain and cramping in those who do not wish to become pregnant, but it can still have a long-term impact on health, especially in those younger than 35. If you decide on going the hysterectomy route, NCCRM can help you with how to donate eggs in NC if you choose to donate them before or during the procedure.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Medications can also help manage pain and cramping in those with endometriosis. Pain medications such as NSAIDs are steroid and hormone-free and can help with inflammation as well. These medications can be taken over the course of many years. However, it is important to note that they do not help with existing pain, but block the prostaglandins that produce the pain. This means that these medications work best when taken before the pain starts.
Hormonal medications or medications that stop the production of hormones are also an option for those going through endometriosis. These medications stop the production of estrogen in your pituitary gland, inducing temporary menopause. Due to this, the endometrial tissue can regress, but won’t necessarily go away.
NCCRM | Tubal Reversal Surgery Near Me | Raleigh, NC
NCCRM is a fertility and women’s health clinic in Cary NC. We are happy to help our patients with anything from how to donate eggs in NC to endometriosis treatment. If you or someone you know is looking for a gynecology clinic in NC, look no further! We are happy to help every person, couple, and family that walks through our door. To learn more about our services, including how to donate eggs in NC, visit our website!
