March isn’t just about little green leprechauns and a pot of gold, it’s also Endometriosis Awareness Month.
So often, endometriosis is simplified to a case of bad menstrual cramps. But this chronic disease can not only cause excessive pain, it is also a cause of infertility.
Endometriosis is an excessive growth of the endometrium (the cells that make up the lining of the uterus) along the outer uterus, ovaries and tubes. It can cause scar tissue on the fallopian tubes, interfering with ovulation, as well as ovarian cysts.
Endometriosis is a common, but treatable disease
According to the World Endometriosis Research Foundation, endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million women and girls – one in 10 during their reproductive years.
Luckily – another March idiom – there are treatment options, including:
- Surgery
- Hormonal therapy
- Oral contraceptives
- Painkillers, and
- Gonadotropin-release hormone analogue (gnRH analogue)
As an infertility treatment, Dr. Susan Hudson can perform laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery, to determine the severity of the endometriosis and determine the success for a future pregnancy. During the laparoscopy, Dr. Hudson can locate any scar tissue or adhesions and remove them during the actual procedure. The patient can usually go home the same day and quickly return to normal activities.
To learn more about endometriosis and your fertility treatment options, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hudson and Texas Fertility Center of New Braunfels.
