How Endometriosis Can Affect Your Life and What You Can Do About It

When you have endometriosis, the cramping discomfort you’ve been told to expect with your periods can grow to a whole new level. The pain typically starts a few days before the onset of your period, but can continue well beyond the time your bleeding stops.

The consequences of endometriosis, however, aren’t always limited to pain. Thankfully, many effective treatments exist that can relieve your symptoms and even help overcome other issues associated with this relatively common medical condition, such as infertility.

Dr. Ulas Bozdogan is a highly regarded specialist with offices in New York City and Hackensack, New Jersey – Advanced Endometriosis Center. His understanding of endometriosis and its impact on your life comes from his extensive medical and surgical expertise, as well as the countless women he’s treated for endometriosis in his thriving practice.  

What endometriosis can mean for your health

Moderate to severe pain is the most common symptom women report when dealing with endometriosis. But the condition can also cause other troubling issues that you may not realize are related.  

Symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Severe, sometimes disabling, pelvic pain and cramping before and during your periods
• Persistent pelvic pain that continues beyond menstruation and may be mistaken for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Low back pain that may occur during or before menstruation or become constant
• Abnormal periods that may include spotting between periods or heavy bleeding during periods
• Pain and/or vaginal bleeding with intercourse
• Pain during bowel movements
• Blood in urine or stools

Because it’s the third most common cause of female infertility, difficulty becoming pregnant is also considered a potential symptom of endometriosis.

The physical and emotional health consequences of endometriosis can include:

• Pelvic scarring and adhesions that can disrupt reproductive functions and cause infertility
• Difficulties with urination due to endometrial growths affecting the urinary system
• Development of a “chocolate” cyst that may cause irregular cycles, pain, and difficulty conceiving
• Digestive problems due to inflammation, scarring, and pelvic adhesions affecting the bowel or colon
• Chronic pain that can lead to fatigue, mood disorders, and a general feeling of helplessness
• Difficulty accomplishing work requirements and problems with social relationships you cherish

What can I do about endometriosis?

Schedule a visit with Dr. Bozdogan. Although he’s a gifted surgeon, Dr. Bozdogan often recommends conservative therapy for endometriosis, which may include:

• Birth control pills to lessen the monthly buildup of endometrial tissue
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to block the production of estrogen and create medically induced menopause
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain

IVF (in vitro fertilization) performed by a fertility specialist may be a consideration for women who are having difficulty conceiving. The success of IVF often depends on the extent of your endometriosis and where scar tissue has formed. Endometrial tissue (implants) affecting the outer wall of your uterus, for instance, may alter its shape and ability to carry a pregnancy.

For endometriosis that does not respond to conservative therapy, Dr. Bozdogan may recommend minimally invasive surgery to remove the abnormal endometrial tissue.  Dr. Bozdogan is highly skilled at robotic-assisted, laparoscopic surgery via the widely acclaimed daVinci® Surgical System.

The advanced technology provided by this state-of-the-art system allows for extremely precise surgical excisions, which are vital to successful removal of endometrial implants from the delicate structures of your reproductive system.

Many women have learned to suffer silently as they try to cope with the symptoms of endometriosis. The good news is that you don’t have to live with the consequences of endometriosis. Treatment is available that can help reduce and even reverse its impact on your life.

Start taking control of your symptoms today by scheduling a visit with endometriosis specialist Dr. Bozdogan at Advanced Endometriosis Center. Call the office nearest you, or request an appointment online.