Printer FriendlyEndometriosis:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
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Endo, Nutrition, and Exercise |
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Endometriosis and College Planning |
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Will I need to have surgery and take medicine for my endo?
Endometriosis can only be diagnosed by laparoscopy. At the time of a laparoscopy, your doctor will probably destroy any visible endo lesions (also called implants) and any adhesions. Some endometriosis isn’t visible, yet it responds well to medication. That’s why a combination of medical and surgical therapy is the standard treatment for this unpredictable disease. A study done at Children's Hospital Boston strongly suggests that combined surgical and medical management stops endometriosis from progressing.
Will I ever need another laparoscopy?
Most girls will not require any more laparoscopic procedures in the future, but some may. This depends on many factors, such as when your last procedure was, if you are having a problem with pain control while taking medication, and if your gynecologist feels it is necessary to check to see if your endometriosis has grown. If your endometriosis has grown, the lesions will be removed and destroyed. The goal is to lower your pain and preserve your fertility.
- In a research study (of adult women), 28% of patients had endometriosis lesions reappear
within 18 months after their first laparoscopy and 40% of women had endo implants come
back within nine years. - In a recent study at Children's Hospital Boston, researchers were interested to find out if
they would see more endometriosis at the time of a second laparoscopy (in young women
with diagnosed endometriosis).They found that endometriosis did not get worse (didn't
grow) in patients who were treated with both surgery and medication.
Will I need to have my uterus removed?
A hysterectomy (the removal of your uterus) is not recommended, nor is it the standard treatment for teens or young women. All treatment should be aimed at relieving your pain and preserving your fertility so that you have the option of having children some day.
Will I be able to get pregnant?
Not being able to get pregnant (infertility) can result if endometriosis causes changes in your pelvic organs, including your fallopian tubes and ovaries. With early treatment, endometriosis should not interfere with your ability to become pregnant (when you are ready). Other factors besides endometriosis (such as STD's) can affect your fertility. It is important to take good care of your reproductive health by always practicing safe sex.
Should I get pregnant soon to cure my endo?
You may have heard that "pregnancy cures endometriosis". This is a myth. There is no cure for endometriosis. Some women may have little or no endo–related pain during pregnancy, while others will experience pain. Becoming a parent is a big decision and should never be used as a treatment for endo.
How long do I need to be followed for my endo?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that requires long–term medical treatment and follow–up, especially during your childbearing years. Many factors affect how often you will need to be seen by your medical team, such as whether or not you are responding to the treatment. Since there is no cure for endometriosis, you will need to be on medication. Therefore, you will need to be checked and have your prescriptions refilled.
Should my sisters and other family members get checked?
Women are more likely to develop endometriosis if a close female relative has it. Likewise, if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, and someone in your family (such as your sister, or cousin) has painful periods and pelvic pain at other times during her menstrual cycle that interferes with school and social activities, it is a good idea to suggest that they get evaluated. They should make an appointment with a pediatric/adolescent gynecologist who has experience treating teens with endometriosis.
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Updated: 4/8/2010
