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MARCH 28, 2008 — Endometriosis is a relatively common condition that affects some ten percent of women during their reproductive years. It’s a painful disease, which if left untreated, can disrupt a woman’s life and eventually may lead to infertility. While there is no ‘cure’ for endometriosis, new high-definition technologies at Kimball Medical Center are advancing treatment of this disease – and making painful periods a thing of the past.
“Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium – the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus – begins to grow outside the uterus into the abdomen, intestines or bladder,” explains Eric Lehnes, M.D., chairman of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood and a member of Ocean Gynecological and Obstetric Associates. While endometriosis typically affects women in their mid 20s and 30s, doctors believe it may begin with the onset of menstruation.
“This excess tissue builds up and over time can cause painful periods, irregular bleeding and in many cases affect a woman’s ability to conceive,” he adds. According to the Endometriosis Foundation, 35 percent of women experiencing fertility issues also suffer from endometriosis.
According to Dr. Lehnes, during a normal menstrual cycle, the lining of a woman’s uterus builds up and sheds each month. When this endometrial tissue is located outside the uterus it still builds up and sheds each cycle – except there’s no way for it to exit the body. This excess endometrial tissue can leave women with adhesions or scar tissue on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes or the abdominal area, resulting in painful periods – and many times infertility.
“Endometriosis is a major factor in infertility,” says Dr. Lehnes. “In fact, often times when performing a laparoscopy to determine why someone is having issues with fertility, we discover endometriosis.
“In addition to causing damage to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, endometriosis also causes an immunological effect that decreases fertility,” he adds. In fact, according to Dr. Lehnes, once endometriosis is treated, fertility rates typically go up. “It’s often one of the factors we look for in trying to help couples that are having difficulty conceiving,” he adds.
“Diagnosing endometriosis is often based on a patient’s history and the pattern of their symptoms,” explains Dr. Lehnes. “The big triad for diagnosing endometriosis is a woman who experiences pain with her period, pain with intercourse and pain with bowel movements,” he explains. Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, painful urination, nausea, diarrhea or constipation during menstruation can also be symptoms of endometriosis. “If a woman is experiencing these symptoms every month along with her period, she should see her doctor,” he adds, “because there is help available.”
While there is no ‘cure’ for endometriosis, there are quite a number of successful treatments, according to Dr. Lehnes. These treatments can essentially put the condition into long-term remission.
Oral contraceptives or hormonal injections such as Lupron, he notes, can offer many women long-term relief from endometriosis. “These medications serve to suspend a woman’s monthly cycle, essentially shutting down the ovaries and suppressing endometriosis,” he explains. “Pregnancy is also a way to suppress endometriosis,” he says. “Endometriosis is a result of normal uterine lining tissue in the wrong place. Shutting off the ovaries and stopping the process of the endometrial lining – either through medication or pregnancy – works and often results in long term remission and relief,” he adds.
If medical means are not effective in easing the pain of endometriosis, surgery may be recommended. Surgical intervention can include minimally invasive laparoscopy with laser ablation of the endometrial lining, according to Dr. Lehnes, or in some cases a total hysterectomy with removal of the uterus and ovaries.
At Kimball Medical Center, doctors utilize the latest advances in minimally invasive technology to treat endometriosis. “Kimball Medical Center is equipped with a new high-definition laparoscopy system that allows visualization in three-dimensions,” says Dr. Lehnes. “This advanced technology enables us make the most accurate diagnosis possible and provide women with the very best minimally-invasive surgical options to help eliminate the pain of endometriosis.”
To contact Dr. Eric Lehnes, or to find another Obstetrician/Gynecologist affiliated with Kimball Medical Center, please call 1-888-SBHS-123.
Kimball Medical Center is an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, the largest integrated health care delivery system in New Jersey. Located in Lakewood, Kimball Medical Center is a fully accredited, 350-bed facility offering the most advanced, ultra-modern diagnostic and treatment services. Kimball offers comprehensive rehabilitative services featuring The Balance Center and an advanced sports medicine program. Kimball is also the recipient of the Magnet Award for nursing excellence. The Center for Healthy Living at Kimball offers a wide variety of programs and services for area families, children and seniors, including community education programs, support groups and school based initiatives.
CONTACT: Kristine A. Brown
Director of Public Relations
(732) 557-3902
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