|
LAKEWOOD, NJ -- Endometriosis is
a relatively common condition that affects 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.
“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, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist, and President of the
Medical Staff at Kimball Medical Center. 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
even 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 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 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 schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Lehnes, or another Obstetrician/Gynecologist
on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Saint Barnabas
Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123
(888-724-7123.)
Date: January 30, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
