What Is Endometriosis?

4/4/2019

By Dr. Craig McCoy

It is estimated that endometriosis affects approximately 10% of reproductive age women. What is alarming is that a disease that impacts so many women is very poorly understood by both the lay and medical community. In a group setting it is not uncommon for most people to have heard of this condition or had a family member with it. So what is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when menstrual blood comes into contact with the pelvic lining and attaches. Once attached it will respond to the hormonal cycle with growth and bleeding each month. This blood causes an inflammatory response that results in significant pain and ultimately scarring of the pelvic structures. The pain and scarring can lead to a significant decrease in the persons quality of life, loss of productive lifestyle as well as result in infertility. Why some women but not all develop this condition is a mystery.

There is often a delay in diagnosis of endometriosis. It is not uncommon for women to have symptoms during their menstrual cycle. Many providers and people in general will group these symptoms into the hazards of being a woman. If the symptoms become significant enough most women will be prescribed oral contraceptives and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. If these medications do not result in improvement in symptoms then referral to a person specializing in treatment of endometriosis should be sought out.

Laparoscopy should be entertained if conservative medical therapy is unsuccessful. Laparoscopy is a same day procedure that will typically result in 2-3 days interruption in your normal daily activity. When discussing this procedure with your doctor be sure to ask how they plan to treat any abnormalities found. Ideally any endometriosis or pelvic pathology found should be treated. In the past many surgeons have been reluctant to aggressively treat endometriosis because it is often found around vital structures in the pelvis and the devices

If you or someone you know may be suffering from Endometriosis and would like to discuss this with Dr. McCoy please contact him at 1513 Union Ave, Suite 1600 in Moberly, Missouri. The clinic phone number is (660) 269-8752.

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