Endometriosis
You have been diagnosed with endometriosis. This page will give you information about endometriosis and its treatment.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common condition that can cause painful periods and sometimes pain with intercourse. It affects some women during the years they are having periods and causes inflammation along the fallopian tubes and sometimes scarring of the pelvis.
What symptoms and effects does it have?
It can cause painful periods and possible pain with intercourse. Endometriosis is also linked with infertility.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Endometriosis is diagnosed through laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) or occasionally by an ultrasound of your ovaries.
The condition is rated as mild, moderate or severe. Your consultant will discuss the results with you.
Treatment
There are various medications available to treat endometriosis but the use of these medications, either before or after surgery, will not benefit someone wanting to conceive.
Keyhole surgical treatment is usually carried out in the following situations:
- At the time of diagnosis for mild to moderate endometriosis.
- If reduced fertility is a problem.
- If there is severe endometriosis.
- When endometriosis recurs.
Benefits
There are increases in pregnancy rates after this surgery and helps, on average, 1 in every 8 women.
Severe forms of endometriosis
Severe forms of endometriosis are treated by open surgery.
A leaflet is available; GHPI0796 Laparoscopic management of severe endometriosis.
Does endometriosis return?
There is a small risk of endometriosis returning but the risk is much higher after a hysterectomy if the ovaries have not been removed.
Contact information
If you have any questions, please contact the fertility nurses through Mrs K Reddy’s secretary on the number below. Alternatively, please contact your consultant’s secretary.
Cotswold Fertility Unit
Tel: 0300 422 3128
Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Website: www.cotswoldfertilityunit.co.uk