Endometriosis

In endometriosis, fragments of the lining of endometrium develop in places other than uterine lining, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, peritoneum or the intestine.

Endometriosis most often occurs in women between the ages of 25 and 40, but it can also occur in younger women.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Many times, endometriosis may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, they may be

Painful menstrual cramps
Painful intercourse
Difficulty in getting pregnant
Pain while passing motion

Diagnosis of endometriosis

Laparoscopy is gold standard in diagnosis of endometriosis. We take biopsy of these implants in order to confirm the diagnosis. We attempt to remove the areas of endometriotic implants during this surgery.

Treatment for endometriosis

There is no known permanent cure for endometriosis. However, the treatments are directed to reduce the growth of the endometriotic implants and to relieve painful symptoms.
Medical treatment versus Surgical treatment – Medical treatment is more for symptomatic relief of pain but it will not increase fertility rates. But, surgery may improve the pregnancy rate as well as help with pain relief.

Fertility Treatment in endometriosis –

In cases of mild and severe endometriosis, infertility treatment options like IUI and/or IVF can be considered.
After initial evaluation of both male and female partner, fertility treatment is recommended based on underlying other infertility issues and severity of endometriosis
In Grade 1 or 2 endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery to treat endometritis followed by trying naturally or simple treatment such as IUI
In severe grade 3 or 4 endometriosis (presence of chocolate cysts in ovaries) IVF is the recommended.