Best Endometriosis Doctors in Keelkattalai, Chennai

It is a condition in which tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) develops outside(endometrial implant). Endometriosis generally involves the ovaries, bowel or the tissue layering the pelvis. Seldom, the endometrial tissue may widen beyond the pelvic region.

In endometriosis, dislocated endometrial tissue goes on to act as it usually would i.e., it thickens, ruptures and bleeds with every menstrual cycle. As this dislocated tissue has no means to exit the body, it gets trapped. When endometriosis is associated to the ovaries, cysts called as endometriomas may appear. The encompassing tissue can become aggravated, in due course developing scar tissue and adhesions.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Dysmennorhea – Severe Pain during periods


• Menorrhagia – Heavy bleeding


• Infertility – Difficulty with getting pregnant


• Dyspareunia - Painful sex


• Irritable bowels


• Chronic back pain



Occasionally women may have no symptoms.

Causes of Endometriosis

During the menstrual cycle, under the influence of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, the lining (endometrium) of the uterus thickens and prepares itself for the implantation of the fertilized egg. If there is no pregnancy, the lining sheds as a period.

Endometriosis occurs when the cells of the lining of the uterus are found in other parts of the body, usually the pelvis. Each month this tissue thickens and bleeds in the same way as the lining of the uterus. This internal bleeding into the pelvis has no way of leaving the body. This causes inflammation, pain and damage to the reproductive organs and the normal anatomy of the pelvis.

What are the different sites of endometriosis?

• On the ovaries where it can form cysts (often referred to as ‘chocolate cysts’)


• In or on the fallopian tubes


• Almost anywhere on, behind or around the uterus


• In the peritoneum


• The bowel and bladder


• Deep within the muscle wall of the uterus (adenomyosis).

Diagnosis

A gynecologist with expertise in endometriosis will need to take a history and then examine you to look for any signs. An ultrasound scan can reveal endometriosis within the ovaries (endometriomas). But endometrosis in other areas of the pelvis may not easily be seen of scan and you may need a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) to confirm the diagnosis. Endometriosis varies from stage 1 (mild) to stage 4 (severe) and this can be diagnosed at laparoscopy.

Treatments

The treatment depends on various factors. They are:

• Age


• Degree of pain


• Menstrual problem


• Severity of endometriosis


• Desirous of pregnancy

The options for treatment may be:

Pain Relief

Pain-relieving drugs reduce inflammation and help to ease the pain. Also pain relieving anesthesia is an option

Hormone Treatments

There is a range of hormone treatments which allow the endometriosis to shrink or disappear.

• The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill or patch contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone and work by preventing ovulation and also pregnancy. The added advantages are light, shorter, and less painful.


• The intrauterine system (IUS)-MIRENA: this is a small T-shaped device which releases the hormone progestogen. This helps to reduce the pain and makes periods lighter. Some women get no periods at all.


• Progesterones or Testosterone derivatives


• GnRH agonists – these drugs prevent estrogen from being produced by the ovaries and cause temporary and reversible menopause or the pseudomenopause.

Surgery

• Surgical treatment depends on the site and the extent of endometriosis.


• It ranges from simple ablation of the endometriotic spots, cyst fulguration or excision, hysterectomy.


• It can be done either by laparoscopy or as an open surgery (laparotomy).

Women are always afraid to speak about their discomfort related to gynaecological issues. They rarely share it with close friends or even their family physicians, unless she is also a woman. That is why, a trusted and renowned gynaecology clinic is the safest place a woman should visit, to seek treatment for Endometriosis from a specialist in this field. Dr. Vanitha Shri is experts in handling gynaecological conditions. This includes Endometriosis specialists, she has vast experience and an impeccable track record. They not only understand the sensitivity of the issue, but they also guide a patient with compassion and understanding, while explaining the intricacies of the treatment to them.