 It
is very easy to miss the signs of endometriosis. In fact, the
condition often mimics a woman’s regular menstrual cycle, says
Timothy Hughes, M.D., FACOG, FACS.Endometriosis is a condition in
which cells that normally line the uterus begin to grow in other
areas of the pelvis, causing pain for patients. It usually shows up
in patients ages 18 through 30—the early years of the reproductive
cycle. However, Dr. Hughes says he has diagnosed patients as young
as 16 or 17 years of age. “If a woman notices that she typically has
an uncomfortable cycle or cyclic pelvic pain, it’s worth mentioning
to her doctor,” he says.
If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to scarring, chronic pain,
tubal pregnancies and infertility issues. In severe cases, the
disease can involve the intestines and other abdominal organs,
causing pain throughout the abdomen.
The “gold standard” for diagnosing endometriosis is a surgical
biopsy, which is an outpatient procedure, Dr. Hughes says.
Patients have multiple treatment options, depending on the
severity of the endometriosis. Affected areas can be surgically
removed through a minimally invasive procedure or treated with
medical therapies. Sometimes, treatment involves a combination of
the two. In mild cases, birth control pills or injections can
sometimes be used to control the progression of the condition and
associated pain.
Dr. Hughes does have one over-arching message for his patients.
“Time is of the essence. Younger women and women who wish to
maintain their fertility need to seek care as soon as possible. The
earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the fewer issues there will
hopefully be with scarring, infertility and lasting problems,” he
says.
Timothy E. Hughes, M.D., FACOG, FACS
Lee Physician Group
8960 Colonial Center Drive, Suite 300
Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-343-9470
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