Endometriosis Treatment in Miami
Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a common painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue lining the inside of your uterus —known as the endometrium — grows on the outside of your uterus. Endometriosis most of the time involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Research suggests that more than 15% of women may have endometriosis.
With endometriosis, the tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds with every menstrual cycle. Since the tissue has no way of leaving your body, it stays trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, endometriomas commonly known as cysts can form. Tissue surrounding the endometrium can become irritated, ultimately creating adhesions and scar tissue.
Endometriosis can be painful — sometimes severe — especially during a menstrual cycle. Fertility problems can develop but fortunately treatments are available.
Diagnosis can be made by taking a medical history of the pelvic pain. It can also be diagnosed with a pelvic exam or by locating a bloody cyst on ultrasound examination. The most accurate diagnosis, is made through a minimally invasive procedure known as laparoscopy. The procedure is performed through a tiny incision in the belly button (umbilicus). Biopsies are taken for suspicious lesions consistent with endometriosis.
Minimally Invasive Surgical treatment of Endometriosis through laparoscopy is an outpatient treatment. The ideal outcome is to remove as much of the endometriosis implants safely. Another treatment option is medical therapy. There are now numerous treatment options to alleviate pain and other side effects from endometriosis. Early, individualized, and aggressive treatment improves the quality of a woman’s life and reduces the risks of future complications such as infertility.
Dr. Gari and Dr. Duarte are members of the The American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and experts in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.