What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium, the tissue lining your uterus, starts to grow outside. The tissue can grow anywhere in the pelvis, including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, ureters, and bladder. Sometimes it involves the organs beyond the pelvis, like the rectum, intestine, and even the diaphragm. The uncomfortable symptoms of endometriosis impact your routine life and activities. Endometrial tissue developing on other organs can inflame during menstrual periods due to its hormonal sensitivity.

Causes of Endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is still a mystery. However, some high-risk factors causing endometriosis are listed below:

• Direct transplantation can result in endometriosis, such as in the abdominal wall following a cesarean section.
• Researchers claim that families may carry genetic risk factors for the condition.
• Girls who get their first menses before 11 years are at increased risk of endometriosis.
• Women with fallopian tubes or uterus abnormalities may develop endometriosis.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The typical presenting symptom in women with endometriosis is pelvic pain during menses. Although many women suffer cramps throughout their periods, females with endometriosis suffer from extreme pain.

The following are other common symptoms and signs of endometriosis:

• Painful periods: Pain in and around the lower abdomen radiating to the flanks, back, and legs is the presenting symptom. This pain may begin days before or last days after periods. In some cases, pain may persist for weeks.
• Painful sexual activity: Endometriosis often causes pain during or after intercourse. These symptoms may worsen during a menstrual period.
• Excessive bleeding: Females with endometriosis may have heavy bleeding or bleeding between two periods.
• Infertility: Several cases of endometriosis may have mild symptoms and are detected when the couple seeks infertility treatment.
• Other symptoms: Feeling lethargic, constipated, bloated, or nauseous can be rare symptoms of endometriosis.

Grades of Endometriosis

The four grades consider the amount of endometrial tissue, the number of organs involved, the severity of pelvic adhesions, and the state of the fallopian tube. Following is the classification of the grades:

• Grade 1: Minimal
• Grade 2: Mild
• Grade 3: Moderate
• Grade 4: Severe

What is Endometriosis treatment?

Endometriosis treatment is aimed at reducing pain and improving fertility. Treatment options may include medication, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove endometrial tissue. It is important to consult with a doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual symptoms and concerns.

What to expect at the consultation for Endometriosis treatment at Saavi Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad?

During your consultation for endometriosis at Saavi Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will assess the severity of your condition and advise for a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound. Then, based on ultrasound reports and endometriosis grade, Dr. Namrata & Dr. Dhaval will explain your medical and surgical treatment options and how they can benefit you in the long run.

Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will design an endometriosis treatment plan depending on the following factors:

• Grade of endometriosis
• Severity of pain
• Plans for future pregnancies
• Age of the patient

Procedures involved in Endometriosis treatment

The following procedures and treatments are commonly used to treat endometriosis:

Hormonal treatment

Birth control

Several methods of hormonal suppression are available, including the combination of progesterone and estrogen or simply progesterone. Birth control methods include oral birth control pills, a patch, a vaginal ring, a birth control shot, a Nexplanon implant, or an IUD. Women under these hormonal therapies experience lighter, less painful periods. However, these are not options for women planning pregnancy.

Medications with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

GnRH is a hormone that stops the hormones that trigger your menstrual cycle. Thus with this medication, your reproductive system is put on pause to treat endometriosis. Medication for GnRH can be administered intravenously, orally, or as a nasal spray.

Although these medications help with discomfort, your symptoms can return if you stop taking them. Most importantly, you shouldn’t take these medications while planning a pregnancy or when pregnant.

Laparoscopy

In laparoscopy, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah removes the lesions by inserting a laparoscope, a thin, tube-like instrument, into the body.

Laparotomy

A laparotomy removes the dislodged endometrial tissue without harming healthy tissue.

Hysterectomy

In extreme cases, depending on the amount of endometriosis, scar tissue, and other uterine disorders, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may advise removing your uterus.

How is the recovery after Endometriosis treatment?

Following a laparoscopy, you may feel exhausted for a few days. For two weeks after the procedure, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may ask you not to drive, not to engage in sexual activity, and to avoid swimming or tub baths. Laparotomy recovery typically takes six weeks; however, it may take more or less. Compared to laparoscopy, laparotomy recovery is a bit complicated and takes longer. The recovery after a hysterectomy involves staying in the hospital for several days and taking about six weeks to fully recover before resuming normal physical activity.

What is the cost of Endometriosis Treatment in Ahmedabad?

The cost of endometriosis treatment in Ahmedabad depends on the specific procedures and treatments needed, as well as individual insurance coverage. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will discuss the cost and payment options with you during your consultation.

What are the benefits of Endometriosis Treatment?

Endometriosis treatment can greatly improve symptoms such as pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities, as well as improve fertility. In addition, treating endometriosis can improve overall quality of life and reduce the physical and emotional impact of the condition.

What are the risks of Endometriosis Treatment?

Most of the surgeries done to treat endometriosis are successful without any complications. However, in rare conditions, there can be damage to the bladder, intestines, nerves, or blood vessels. In addition, infection, bleeding, trouble urinating, vaginal or intestinal fistulas, and scar tissue formation can occur in some cases. Fortunately, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah has many years of experience and will ensure to minimize the chances of any risks occurring.

It is important to remember that endometriosis can return after treatment, and regular check-ups and communication with Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah are necessary to monitor symptoms and plan for any additional treatment.