Understanding Endometriosis: What Patients Need to Know
In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Week, we asked Dr. Kirsten Sasaki what she thought patients need to know about this disease that affects 1 out of 10 women.
What to Expect During Your Endometriosis Appointment
If you think you may have endometriosis, being prepared for your medical appointment can help you get the most out of your visit. Here’s what you can expect:
- Thorough medical history including any surgeries and menstruation history
- Physical exam including pelvic exam and pelvic ultrasound
- Depending on findings, your doctor could recommend further lab work and/or an MRI
How to Advocate for Yourself During Your Appointment
Advocating for your health is important, especially with a condition like endometriosis that is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Here’s how you can make the most of your appointment:
- Tell the physician about any pain, discomfort, bloating or abnormal bleeding you are experiencing
- Don’t wait for your physician to bring up these questions. Write them down before the appointment. Writing down your questions and symptoms ensures you don’t forget to mention any concerns.
- Be direct with your physician. Ask if any of these symptoms might be occurring because of endometriosis.
Key Endometriosis Symptoms to Track
Tracking your symptoms can help with diagnosis and treatment. Pay attention to:
- Pain both on and off your period
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful bowel movements
- Changes in bowel habits during and around your period
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding (periods lasting more than seven days or needing to change protection every 1–2 hours)
- Frequency of NSAID use for pain relief
- Missed work or social activities due to pain
Common Misconceptions About Endometriosis
One of the biggest myths about endometriosis is that if your imaging (such as an ultrasound) is normal, you don’t have the disease. In reality, many patients have normal imaging results yet still experience all the symptoms of endometriosis. A laparoscopy can definitively diagnose the condition by allowing the doctor to confirm the presence of endometriosis and remove the diseased tissue via excision.
Finding Relief from Endometriosis Symptoms
Various treatments can help manage endometriosis symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients may find relief through:
- Pelvic physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation.
- Exercise and regular movement can help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables while limiting processed foods and red meat may help manage inflammation and symptoms.
Endometriosis is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed leaving many patients to endure years of pain and countless doctors appointments before receiving a diagnosis. No one should have to leave their pain untreated.
Our dedicated team is here for you, request a consultation.
Ovarian Pexy- A Simple Procedure to Help Improve Egg Retrieval Outcomes
We posted a video of Dr. Miller discussing a recent surgical procedure he performed called an Ovarian Pexy that helps improve egg retrieval outcomes. We figured this was a procedure many were unfamiliar with, so we asked Dr. Miller for more information. Get ready to understand how this simple procedure can make a big difference on your road to becoming a parent.
Q: What is an Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: A laparoscopic procedure to move the ovaries closer into the pelvis so that the follicles can be more easily identifiable.
Q: How do you know if you are a good candidate for Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: The procedure would be performed on someone whose ovaries are out of position. A woman can be born with her ovaries misplaced, making IVF difficult. Additionally, another potential cause is adhesive disease – whether from infection, endometriosis or prior surgery, the ovaries are simply pulled away from the pelvis.
However, keep in mind that you don’t know whether or not there is room for improvement until you look at the anatomy. If I cannot see the ovary, I will not take the patient to stimulation. Generally, we have indications that the ovary is not in the right place and see this while the patient is undergoing transvaginal ultrasound or when I perform a saline infused sonogram. At that point, I recommend surgery. Pexy of the ovaries is ultimately a game time decision at the time of surgery, when the anatomy can be seen.
Q: Why does this procedure improve your chances for a more successful egg retrieval?
Dr. Miller: It gets the ovaries to a place where they can be easily visualized via ultrasound and thus, makes egg retrieval easier.
Q: What is the recovery time and how soon can you do an egg retrieval after the procedure?
Dr. Miller: The recovery time is 5-7 days at home and the patient can start preparing for an egg retrieval with her next cycle.
Q: How common is an Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: Since most reproductive endocrinologists do not perform surgery, this procedure is not routinely performed. Instead, patients settle for a lesser amount of eggs. Oftentimes, Dr. Miller sees patients who have gone through cycles with other physicians and have not had eggs retrieved on one side because of the ovary position. After the ovarian pexy procedure, patients can go from not being able to retrieve eggs to having a comparable number of eggs retrieved from either ovary.
Interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Miller? Call 630-428-2229 to set up an appointment or request a consultation online.