Endometriosis is a condition when endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus. These tissues can grow on ovaries and fallopian tubes and thicken and bleed like endometrial tissues. As a result, the patient may experience symptoms like painful periods, excessive bleeding, painful intercourse, and fatigue. Women diagnosed with endometriosis typically have fertility problems. If you are seeing an endometriosis specialist in New Jersey, they will do a few diagnostic tests and decide on the treatment plan accordingly. Here is an overview of endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
Since the symptoms of endometriosis often overlap with other conditions like PCOS, diagnosis is often delayed or hard to confirm. If your doctor suspects endometriosis, they will typically do a pelvic exam and a few imaging tests, including an ultrasound. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a more accurate way of diagnosing the condition, for which a small tool known as the laparoscope will be inserted in your abdomen to find the growth of endometrial tissues. In some cases, a biopsy can be recommended.
How Is Endometriosis Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, just like PCOS. There are medications and treatment options that can help manage the symptoms. If you have heavy and painful periods, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs. For some women, birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding during periods. Hormonal treatments are typically used to reduce estrogen levels, slowing down the growth of unwanted endometrial tissues. If none of the other options work, your doctor may recommend surgery, which will remove endometrial tissues. Endometriosis can impact fertility, and patients can try IUI and IVF as options to get pregnant.
Can Natural Remedies Help?
Lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of endometriosis. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing intake of alcohol, and exercising regularly can be useful. There is also evidence that acupuncture and herbal medications can help, although these treatments do not reverse the damage or treat endometriosis.
Check With a Doctor in NJ
Endometriosis can impact a patient’s mental health and physical well-being, especially when trying to get pregnant. Consider talking to a doctor if you have evident signs of endometriosis or have painful periods. Unusual pain during intercourse is one of the common symptoms, although some women do not have any symptoms of endometriosis at all. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition better, and your doctor can discuss the treatment plan in depth after checking your imaging test reports.
