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Identifying and Managing Endometriosis

Identifying and Managing Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that requires a plan for lifelong management and can cause various issues including pain with sex and infertility. Here’s our guide for identifying and managing endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women where the tissue that makes up the lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterus.Unfortunately, 1 in 10 women will be diagnosed with endometriosis during their lifetime, the majority in their teens or 20s. This condition can occur in different areas of the body including, but not limited to:

Ovaries.

Fallopian tubes.

Outer surfaces of the uterus, bladder, ureters, intestines, and rectum.

Just as the uterine lining grows and bleeds during a regular menstrual cycle, the implants may do the same, irritating surrounding tissues and causing inflammation.

Endometriosis & Infertility

There’s a strong link between endometriosis and infertility, as almost 40% of women experiencing infertility are also living with this condition. Even though endometriosis can affect fertility, this doesn’t mean it completely prevents pregnancy. Women may still be able to conceive through a combination of surgery, medication, insemination, and reproductive technology.

Endometriosis & Sex

Pain during sex is a common symptom of endometriosis. This can devastate the patient and their sexual relationship. It is very important to develop a treatment plan with your doctor to address this quickly and effectively, as there are several options available to help this pain, called dyspareunia. You can also try these tips with your partner:

Try a warm bath or over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain before sex.

Take it slow: longer foreplay can stimulate your natural lubrication and might reduce pain by delaying penetration until you’re fully aroused.

Change positions to find what feels good for youConsider other forms of intimacy and sexual activities.

Communicate with your partner about what feels best.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The only way to definitively know if you have endometriosis is to undergo a laparoscopy. At Special Care for Women, we specialize in gynecological care and your gynecologist is well-versed in these procedures. Medication, such as Orillisa, surgery, or a combination of the two can help treat endometriosis and improve fertility.Pelvic pain doesn’t always point to endometriosis and may be the result of other issues such as disorders of the bladder or bowel. If you’re experiencing chronic pelvic pain or symptoms of endometriosis, it’s important to go see your doctor.If you’re looking for gynecological care, from pediatric to adolescent management, we would be happy to do a medical consultation with you. Give our professional, caring team a call today at (256) 435-2229!