Endometriosis is a condition where the menstrual tissue lining the uterine cavity grows outside it. The cells usually grow in the walls of the uterus, or outside the uterus where the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and the pelvis lining are. Usually affecting women in their reproductive years, it is one of the top causes of pelvic pain. Left undiagnosed and unmanaged, it can lead to complications such as organ adhesions, ovarian cysts, and infertility.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Pelvic pain, especially during the menstrual period, is the main symptom women with endometriosis will experience.
Other common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Discomfort during or after sex.
- Pain during bowel movements or urination.
- Excessive and abnormal vaginal bleeding during or between periods.
- Other symptoms, such as bloating, constipation, or chronic fatigue.
Make an appointment if you experience any of these symptoms and wish to consult a gynaecologist.
Treatment for Endometroisis
At Raffles Women Centre, your gynae will first evaluate your symptoms, examine you thoroughly to make a diagnosis, before recommending a treatment plan to address your needs and improve your quality of life.
Based on your condition, a combination of treatments may be recommended to treat and manage your endometriosis:
Pain medications
To help you manage the pain from endometriosis, your gynae will prescribe you painkillers, or you can get them off-the-counter.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy slows the spread of your endometriosis by regulating the hormones responsible for its growth. It may come in the form of oral medications or injections. Hormone therapy does not remove the existing endometriosis. You may require additional treatments, such as surgery, to remove them.
Find out more about hormone replacement therapy at Raffles Women Centre.
Surgery
This procedure is usually done if your endometriosis is extensive and you are experiencing severe pain, heavy menstrual loss or infertility. Your gynae may do this via laparoscopic surgery, where a thin tube is inserted through your navel to inspect and remove the endometriosis.
In severe cases, your gynae may recommend ovarian cyst removal or hysterectomy to remove the ovarian cysts or the uterus and cervix. Since a woman cannot get pregnant after a hysterectomy, it is usually done as a last resort to manage endometriosis and only after she has completed her family.
Make an Appointment
Make an appointment online or contact a women's clinic near you to consult a gynaecologist. To make an appointment, select "Specialist Appointment". Under Specialist Appointment Details, select "Obstetrics & Gynaecology".
Make an enquiry. We will get back to you within 2 working days. You can reach us at 6311 1230.