Endometriosis
Many women experience a range of symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle. However, for some, these symptoms can be severe and disruptive to daily life. Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, often going undiagnosed for many years.
Dr. Salem El Shawarby, a renowned gynecologist and consultant in reproductive medicine, provides expert care for endometriosis. He collaborates closely with patients to diagnose and create a personalized endometriosis treatment plan that enhances their quality of life and overall well-being. For those whose main goal is achieving pregnancy or who are facing delayed conception, Dr Shawarby integrates advanced infertility treatment in Abu Dhabi to optimize their chances of success.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition where in tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) develops outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue can cause discomfort and disrupt your daily life. Additionally, some women with endometriosis experience fertility issues.
The misplaced endometrial-like tissue can settle anywhere in your abdomen, pelvis, or even your chest. This tissue responds to hormonal changes in your menstrual cycle, just like the lining inside your uterus.
As a result, it can become inflamed and lead to the formation of various abnormalities, including:
- Ovarian cysts: fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries
- Superficial lesions: small, flat patches of endometrial-like tissue
- Deeper nodules: thicker deposits of endometrial-like tissue embedded within tissues
- Adhesions: bands of scar tissue that connect and sometimes bind organs together
- Scar tissue: internal scar tissue formation
Various Stages and Symptoms of Endometriosis
At this stage, small patches of endometrial tissue may be scattered within the pelvic cavity. Symptoms might be subtle, causing mild pelvic discomfort or menstrual pain.
Common symptoms of Stage I endometriosis:
- Mild pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Occasional pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Infertility, in some cases
In Stage II, endometrial implants become larger and may affect multiple pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic sidewalls.
Symptoms of Stage II endometriosis:
- Moderate pelvic pain, especially during menstruation and ovulation
- Increased frequency of painful periods and pelvic discomfort
- Intermittent pain during sexual intercourse, which sometimes can be positional.
- Higher risk of infertility due to pelvic adhesions and anatomical distortion
Stage III involves more extensive pelvic structure involvement, with significant adhesions and scar tissue formation. This can cause severe pelvic pain and deep infiltration into pelvic organs.
Symptoms of moderate endometriosis:
- Severe pelvic pain that may impact daily activities
- Chronic pelvic discomfort throughout the menstrual cycle
- Persistent painful periods
- Painful sexual intercourse.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea, or pain sometimes during passing urine
- Increased risk of infertility due to compromised ovarian function and tubal occlusion, pelvic adhesions, etc
Stage 4 endometriosis represents the most advanced stage, characterized by extensive pelvic involvement, significant adhesions, and potential organ dysfunction.
Stage 4 endometriosis symptoms are as follows:
- Excruciating pelvic pain, often resistant to conventional treatments
- Chronic fatigue and malaise
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction, including urinary frequency, urgency, and bowel obstruction
- High likelihood of infertility due to severe pelvic adhesions and compromised reproductive function
Endometriosis Treatment
Non-Surgical Approach
Hormone therapy treatments can modify hormone levels or inhibit your body’s hormone production, potentially affecting fertility. Therefore, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Hormone therapy can be administered as pills, injections, or nasal sprays.
Common options include:
- Oral contraceptives with estrogen and progesterone to regulate hormones
- Progestins to halt menstrual periods and reduce endometrial tissue growth
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists to limit ovarian hormone production
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to stop ovarian hormone production
Pain medications — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also effective for managing endometriosis pain.
Surgical Approach
Surgical options for treating endometriosis include:
Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin tube with a high-definition camera into the abdomen through a small umbilical incision. This allows the surgeon to examine the internal organs and diagnose/treat endometriosis.
Hysterectomy: In severe cases, a surgeon may recommend removing the uterus, especially if there is significant endometriosis, scar tissue, or other uterine conditions like adenomyosis and if the patient does not wish to preserve fertility. Even with a hysterectomy, excision of endometriosis areas is essential to optimise pain relief.
For those with endometriosis who are trying to conceive, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers a viable option through using specialised medical protocols, Dr Salem endeavours to offer you the best outcome through assisted reproductive technologies
Seek the right Endometriosis treatment with Dr Salem El Shawarby
If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, especially with a desire to get pregnant or facing delayed conception, finding the right infertility treatment in Abu Dhabi is essential for managing your condition. Dr Salem El Shawarby, a well-known gynaecologist and reproductive consultant in Abu Dhabi and the Gulf Region, is dedicated to providing all-inclusive and personalized care. He utilizes the latest techniques and therapies to address your unique needs.
Quick FAQs
Adenomyosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue within the muscular wall of the uterus, whereas endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, on organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining.
Yes, both conditions can impact fertility. Endometriosis can cause scarring and blockages in the reproductive organs, while adenomyosis can interfere with the implantation of the embryo or disrupt the uterine environment.
Treatment options for both conditions include pain management, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions. For adenomyosis, options may also include hysterectomy, especially in severe cases. Endometriosis treatment might involve laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue and, for those seeking pregnancy, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI. Specialized medical protocols during ovarian stimulation are also part of infertility treatment in Abu Dhabi to offer you the best chances of getting pregnant through assisted reproductive technologies.
