WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a potentially debilitating gynecological condition that affects approximately 2 to 10 percent of American women of childbearing age (about 6 million women).[1] During a normal menstrual cycle, the endometrium (tissue lining the uterus) builds up and is shed by the body if the woman has not become pregnant. Patients suffering from endometriosis develop endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and as this misplaced tissue builds up and breaks down over the course of the menstrual cycle, this can lead to internal bleeding, swelling and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the endometriosis. Over time, this process can result in the development of scar tissue, lesions, growths and/or fibrous cysts in the affected area.
Endometriosis is often found in the ovaries, but can also present in the: fallopian tubes; ligaments supporting the uterus, outer surface of the uterus, lining of the pelvic cavity, internal area between vagina and rectum; bladder; intestines; cervix; abdominal surgery scars; and vulva. While the exact causes of endometriosis are still unknown, the following factors seem to put women at a heightened risk for developing this disease:
- Women with a mother, sister, or daughter with the condition
- Women suffering from abnormal uterine function
- First-time mothers over the age of 30
- Caucasian women
In order to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of your endometriosis, it is important to select a physician who specializes in the field of gynecological disorders. At OBGYN on the Park, with convenient office locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY, our well-respected team of board certified Obstetricians/Gynecologists are highly experienced treating problematic gynecological issues, and will work closely with you to alleviate your endometriosis symptoms quickly and efficaciously.
ENDOMETRIOSIS SYMPTOMS
Although individuals may experience the symptoms of endometriosis differently, common symptoms include:
- Pelvic or back pain
- Premenstrual spotting, cramping and pain
- Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Infertility: according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, approximately 24 to 50 percent of infertile women suffer from endometriosis
- Fatigue
- Painful urination and bowel movement during menstrual periods
- Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, nausea and/or constipation)
- Allergies, chemical sensitivities, frequent yeast infections
ENDOMETRIOSIS DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS
In order to diagnose the condition of endometriosis, your gynecologist will perform one or more of the following tests: laparoscopy, endometrial biopsy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan), or an MRI. If you receive a diagnosis of endometriosis, there are a number of treatment options available, including:
- Pain medication (i.e. NSAIDs or other OTC analgesics)
- Hormone therapy
- Surgical procedures
- Laparoscopy
- Laparotomy
- Hysterectomy
Your OBGYN on the Park treatment provider will determine the optimal course of treatment after evaluating your general health, medical history, severity of current symptoms, personal preferences, and desire to become pregnant in the future.
Contact OBGYN on the Park
At OBGYN on the Park, we take pride in providing a superior level of patient care and clinical expertise in a compassionate and comfortable environment. Our exceptional staff members are experts in the field of Obstetrics/Gynecology and all our physician are faculty members at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As a patient at OBGYN on the Park, you will experience an unparalleled level of attentiveness and responsiveness—we will always make time to thoroughly address every question and concern you might have, and will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience is a positive one.
Our multidisciplinary approach involves cooperative collaboration with your primary care physician and a network of highly esteemed specialists (when necessary) in order to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique obstetric/gynecological concerns. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial appointment with one of our board certified physicians.