All your Endometriosis questions, answered.

Dr.  Stankiewicz is Medical Director of City Fertility Centre Adelaide and holds a Certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI), which is the highest qualification available in Australia for a fertility specialist. He has worked for more than 10 years in the field of infertility in Adelaide. He has extensive experience in all aspects of gynaecology, especially Infertility, reversal of sterilisations, Endometriosis, Premature Menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and endocrinological problems that impact on fertility.

If you’re suffering from Endometriosis or experiencing symptoms, always seek medical advice from your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects one in 10 women – that’s approximately 200 million women and girls worldwide!

It is thought that currently, the average diagnosis delay is seven to 10 years, meaning a long and stressful journey from symptoms to diagnosis for many.

Below, I have answered some of the common questions about Endometriosis that I hear in my practice. I hope you find the answers useful.

What exactly is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects some women in their reproductive years. It occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus is found outside the uterus. The areas where it is commonly found are the surface of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis.

Why does Endometriosis cause pain?

It is believed that these tissues grow and cause inflammation, scarring and sometimes adhesions. Similar to the lining of the uterus, these implants respond to female hormones such as estrogen. It is not fully understood why it can cause so much pain in some women; however, it is thought that sometimes the implants bleed and the blood cannot escape from the body during the period, so it bleeds directly onto the surface of the surrounding organs and tissues.

Why me? What are the causes of Endometriosis?

There are many theories that try to explain the origin of Endometriosis. One of them explains it via a process called “retrograde menstruation’’. This backward flow of menstrual bleeding through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis might cause the endometrial cells to implant on abdominal organs.

Research also suggests altered immunity, coelomic metaplasia, and metastatic spread. Newer research is also proposing stem cell and genetic origins of the disease. A 2013 study from the National Institute of Health also supports this*. For instance, women who have a first-degree relative affected by the disease have a seven times higher risk of developing Endometriosis than women who do not have a family history of the disease.

How do I know if I have Endometriosis?

While some people with Endometriosis experience very little pain and no symptoms at all, others have severe pain and several symptoms.

The most commonly reported symptoms are:

• Period pain before and during a period
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain outside of menstruation
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Abdominal pain at the time of ovulation
• Heavy or irregular bleeding with or without clots
• Premenstrual spotting
• Extreme tiredness
• Difficulty falling pregnant

How can I check if I have Endometriosis?

The first thing is to discuss it with your GP. If required, your GP may then refer you to a gynaecologist for further investigations. Sometimes an ultrasound will detect the Endometriosis; however, the only definitive method of diagnosis is through a laparoscopy.

What are the treatment options for Endometriosis?

When considering the treatment plan for Endometriosis, you will need to decide whether your primary goal is to treat pain or maximise fertility. Drug treatment – Hormone therapies are suitable for mild Endometriosis, or before or after surgery. The aim is to suppress the growth of endometrial cells. Hormone therapies should only be used if you are currently not trying to fall pregnant. Surgical treatment – A laparoscopy can surgically remove endometrial implants or adhesions that have resulted from Endometriosis. Research suggests that removing Endometriosis surgically can sometimes improve the chances of becoming pregnant.

Will Endometriosis impact on my fertility?

In many cases, the presence of Endometriosis impacts on a female’s chances of falling pregnant due to altered ovulation and oocyte (egg) production, luteal phase disruption, the effect on fallopian tubes and in turn embryo transport, and detrimental effects on the endometrium.

However, some women with Endometriosis have fallen pregnant easily.

If surgical treatment does not help, fertility medication and treatments can be considered. Commonly, ovulation-stimulating medication combined with Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) is all that is needed to further enhance fertility.

If surgery and IUI have not helped achieve a pregnancy, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) can be considered. IVF procedures are often effective in improving fertility, and the decision about whether to opt for this must take into account the age of the patient, severity of the Endometriosis, the presence of other infertility factors and the results and duration of past treatments. Thorough consultation with a fertility specialist is always advisable.

Mamamia's Endo Awareness Week, curated by Founder of EndoActive Syl Freedman, shines a light on a disease suffered by one in 10 Australian women. To read more from Endo Awareness Week, click here. If you'd like to find out more information on Endometriosis, Syl's story or EndoActive, visit endoactive.org.au and keep up to date on their Facebook page.

This article was originally published on City Fertility Centre.