Treatment Options for Endometriosis
If you are experiencing severe pain in the pelvic area – especially pain that becomes worse during your menstrual period – you may be suffering from endometriosis. The pain can interfere with your daily activities and derail your life. Fortunately, there is no need to suffer in silence, as there are many modern, highly effective endometriosis treatment options.
At Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology & Women’s Health in Wood County, OH our gynecologists have helped hundreds of women get the relief they need from endometriosis pain.
Understanding Endometriosis
When considering treatment options for endometriosis it is important to understand what is causing the pelvic pain. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of a woman’s uterus (“endometrium”) grows outside of the uterus – on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue lining the pelvis. Because it is a type of uterine tissue, this displaced tissue still bleeds with each menstrual cycle.
The displaced tissue and blood then becomes trapped with no way to exit the body. Cysts (“endometriomas”) as well as scar tissue and adhesion then may form. The bands of fibrous tissue that develop can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick together.
Endometriosis Treatments
Hormone Therapy for Endometriosis
Since hormonal production is what causes the menstrual cycle, prescription hormone therapy can sometimes be effective in reducing or eliminating endometriosis pain. Supplemental hormones can often slow down endometrial tissue growth, as well as prevent new implantation of endometrial tissue.
There are many types of hormonal therapy that can help with endometriosis. Contraceptives, including birth control pills, patches and vaginal rings help control the woman’s hormone production – which may reduce or eliminate endometrial pain in many cases.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (Gn-RH) that prevent menstruation by blocking the production of ovarian-stimulating hormones are another type of hormone therapy for endometriosis. Different progestin therapies – including IUDS, Nexplanon implants, or Depo-Provera shots – can also be used to stop menstrual periods and the growth of endometrial implantations.
Surgery for Endometriosis
Conservative Surgery for Endometriosis
For woman planning on, or trying to, become pregnant, surgery to remove the endometriosis (while preserving the uterus and ovaries) may actually improve the success of becoming pregnant.
Dr. Croak offers several different minimally invasive, robotic and laparoscopic surgeries to remove endometriosis while preserving fertility, in his Wood County gynecology practice. These minimally invasive surgeries use only tiny incisions and offer a rapid recovery period, with very little risk of complications.
Hysterectomy to Treat Endometriosis
A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus. This procedure was at one time considered the most effective treatment for endometriosis. However, this more invasive surgery obviously puts an end to future childbearing – and also immediately puts the patient into menopause.
In order to to avoid the health risks of early menopause, a hysterectomy is typically a last resort after hormone therapy and conservative surgery have failed to remedy the endometrial pain.
In cases where hysterectomy is determined to be the best option, Dr. Croak is often able to perform the procedure using minimally invasive daVinci robotic surgery. daVinci robot-assisted surgery offers smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery than traditional “open” hysterectomy. Dr. Andrew Croak is one of only a few gynecologic surgeons trained and qualified to perform daVinci robotic hysterectomy in all of Wood County, OH.
Endometriosis Treatment – Wood County, OH
Dr. Croak offers state-of-the-art treatments for endometriosis in his Wood County, OH gynecology office. Women come from across Wood County, the greater Toledo area, Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan for his thorough care and innovative endometriosis treatments.
If you are suffering with the pain of endometriosis, Dr. Croak can help you get rid of the pain and get back to living your life. Call us for a endometriosis treatment consultation in our Wood County, OH office today.
