What is endometriosis?
A common condition in women, endometriosis is a chronic and painful condition that unfortunately usually gets steadily worse. Normally, the tissue that lines a woman’s uterus (the endometrium) is found only in the uterus. But when a woman develops endometriosis, microscopic bits of this tissue escape from the uterus and grow on other organs such as the ovaries, the outer wall of the uterus, fallopian tubes, the ligaments that support the uterus, the space between the uterus and the rectum, and the space between the uterus and the bladder.
In rare cases, they can spread outside the abdomen and grow on other organs, such as the lungs. The escaped tissue responds to estrogen and progesterone by thickening and may bleed every month. Due to the escaped tissue growing in other tissues, the blood it makes cannot escape, which causes irritation to the surrounding tissue, resulting in cysts, scars, and the fusing of body tissues. If left untreated, this can eventually bind the reproductive organs together, resulting in infertility.
Who is usually affected by endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects 3%-10% of women who are of reproductive age and 25%-50% of infertile women. Of women suffering from pelvic pain about 40%-80% are affected. Most women are diagnosed in their 20s. Symptoms typically improve after menopause. This condition occurs more often in women who have short menstrual cycles or a longer-than-normal flow. Women who have fewer than 25 days between periods or who menstruate for more than seven days are twice as likely to develop endometriosis.
What causes endometriosis?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes endometriosis; however, it tends to run in families. And dioxin, an industrial chemical, may be a cause.
Request an appointment in Austin, Texas
Many women feel some pelvic pain during their period. In some cases, it’s due to a condition called endometriosis. If you think you may have this condition, Lotus may be able to help. Currently, we offer the following treatment options for endometriosis, including:
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Birth Control
- da Vinci Surgery
- Genetic Testing
- Hysterectomy
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Sexual Medicine
To set up an appointment, contact Lotus at (512) 716-0971 or use the form below.
