March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Here are answers to common questions about endometriosis.
Let’s start with the basics. What is Endometriosis?
According to the World Endometriosis Society, endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called “the endometrium”) is found outside the uterus, where it induces a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in scar tissue. It is primarily located in the pelvis (on the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries, bowel, or bladder) but, more rarely, can also be found in other parts of the body.
What are some of the symptoms of endo (endometriosis)?
According to Dr. Jennifer Kawwass, the Medical Director of the Emory Reproductive Center, one of the early symptoms of endometriosis can be very severe, sometimes debilitating, pelvic pain at the time of menstruation. Dr. Kawwass states, "Interestingly, the extent of endometriosis disease does not always correlate with the degree of pain; some women have few endometriotic lesions but have severe pain, and others have significant disease with minimal pain. Some women do not find out that they have endometriosis until they are diagnosed with infertility."
Is endometriosis a common problem?
According to the World Endometriosis Research Foundation, endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years (i.e., usually between the ages of 15 to 49), which is approximately 176 million women in the world.
If I have endometriosis can I still conceive?
Yes, some women with endometriosis conceive easily. Other women with endometriosis suffer from infertility, possibly due to chronic inflammation or scarring, and seek treatment from an Ob/Gyn or reproductive endocrinologist.
What are some of the options available to assist with reproduction when dealing with endometriosis?
As Dr. Kawwass explains, "Women with endometriosis often have the same fertility treatments available to them as other patients suffering from infertility. The decision about what type of treatment to pursue depends a lot on whether or not a patient is trying to get pregnant, whether or not they have severe pain, and what treatments they have tried in the past."
Among women not trying to conceive, menstrual cycle control (medical management) is often the first line of treatment. Among women trying to conceive, a standard fertility evaluation of other potential factors that may be impacting chance of conception is usually the first step. Often superovulation with intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be attempted (if the fallopian tubes are open and sperm count is within the desired range) before trying more aggressive treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Setting up a new patient visit at the Emory Reproductive Center is a good place to start if you suffer from endometriosis and are having trouble conceiving. You can make an appointment by contacting our main clinic location: Emory Reproductive Center
Emory Reproductive Center
550 Peachtree Street
Suite 1800
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: 404-778-3401
To learn more about Emory Reproductive Center visit emoryhealthcare.org/ivf
If you are not trying to conceive, a member of our General Ob/Gyn Division at one of the following locations would be happy to see you as well.
The Emory Clinic, Building A - located on the Emory University campus
1365 Clifton Road, NE, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30322
Telephone: 404-778-3401
The Emory Clinic, Emory University Hospital Midtown - located in midtown Atlanta
550 Peachtree Street, NE
Medical Office Tower 8th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30308
Telephone: 404-778-3401
Emory Women's Center, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital Campus - located just inside the perimeter
5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Suite 700
Atlanta, GA 30342
Telephone: 404-778-3401
12000 Findley Rd,
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Telephone: 404-778-3401
To learn more about Emory Women's Center visit https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/emory-clinic/gynecology-obstetrics/index.html