Endometriosis Perth
Everything you need to know about endometriosis
In a nutshell
Endometriosis is a women’s health condition where tissue resembling the lining inside your uterus grows in other parts of your body. If you’re experiencing severe period pain, discomfort during sex, or challenges with fertility, endometriosis could be the cause.
Endometriosis Perth
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the one lining your uterus grows outside it.
You might experience intense period pain, painful sex, and fertility issues as a result of endometriosis. It’s a common condition, affecting about one in seven women and girls in Australia.
Lots of women and girls suffer in silence as they don’t know they have this condition. It takes on average 6.5 years to get a diagnosis.
“It’s important to understand that you’re not to blame for endometriosis. It occurs without reason, and recognising this is vital for your wellbeing.”
So when should you visit a gynaecologist?
When we think endometriosis might be a possibility, we’ll look for the following signs and symptoms:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, particularly linked to your menstrual cycle.
- Altered bowel or urinary habits during your periods.
- Discomfort when using the bathroom.
- Heavy bleeding during your period.
- Painful intercourse.
- Difficulty getting pregnant.
“Endometriosis presents in many different ways, and that’s one of the main reasons why it takes so long to get a proper diagnosis.”
Gynaecologist endometriosis Perth
How do we diagnose endometriosis?
During consultation, we discuss your symptoms and medical history. We’ll talk about your menstrual cycle, pain levels, and any fertility concerns you might have. It’s important for you to feel heard and understood, as endometriosis can be both physically painful and emotionally draining.
“As your gynaecologists, we will perform a pelvic examination and often we’ll use ultrasound imaging to get a clearer picture. But the definitive diagnosis is made through laparoscopic surgery.”
This minimally invasive procedure allows us to look directly at your pelvic organs and when we spot endometriosis, we’ll remove it straight away during the same surgery.
Endometriosis treatment Perth
How is endometriosis treated?
As mentioned earlier, keyhole surgery is considered the most reliable method for treating endometriosis. We usually excise the tissue, which allows us to examine it under a microscope so that we can confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes ablation is used as well but as we burn the tissue we can no longer examine it.
Undergoing laparoscopic surgery can understandably be a bit daunting, but knowing the steps can help ease your mind:
- Preparation: Before the surgery, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare, including fasting for a certain period. On the day, you’ll be given a general anaesthetic to ensure you’re asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Access to the affected area: Small incisions are made near your belly button and through one of the keyholes we will insert a laparoscope, a camera-guided tool to visualise the affected area.
- Diagnosis and treatment: The laparoscope allows us to see and treat any endometriosis present. When we spot endometriosis we will insert specialised instruments through the other keyholes to remove or treat any endometrial lesions, scar tissue, and adhesions.
- Recovery: After the surgery, you’ll be brought to the recovery area until you wake up from the anaesthesia. Some post-surgery discomfort is normal, but we’ll manage that together and before you go home, we’ll chat through everything you need to know about your recovery at home.
Can I fall pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes, you can fall pregnant even if you have endometriosis, but it’s true that the condition can complicate your fertility journey and make it harder to fall pregnant. It’s important to note that many women with endometriosis do conceive and go on to have healthy pregnancies.
We can explore a variety of treatments to enhance your fertility, which may include medication, surgery to remove endometrial-like tissue, or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, if necessary. Each case is unique, so we’ll create a tailored plan that suits your specific situation.
Endometriosis Murdoch
Perth Women’s Health for endometriosis
At Perth Women’s Health, we recognise the profound impact that endometriosis can have on your life.
Given the potential impact on fertility, we focus on any concerns you may have, making sure these are carefully considered in your treatment planning.
We understand that the fight against endometriosis can be a long and challenging journey.
Your wellbeing, fertility, and comfort are our primary concerns as we support you through this battle.
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Level 2, Suite 64-66
100 Murdoch Drive
Murdoch WA 6150
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