Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis classically presents with painful periods, mainly
in the lower abdomen and pelvis and pain during sexual intercourse.
If there is involvement of the bladder or bowel, there can be
symptoms related to these structures depending on the organ
involved.
How can endometriosis be diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made by doing a minor surgical procedure called
laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is done under general anaesthetic with a
small telescope passed through the belly-button after inflating the
belly with gas to help visualise the organs of the pelvis. There
may be another small cut in the abdomen to help facilitate
visualisation of the different pelvic organs.
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information about our womens' health services or to
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2096897 or by filling out our online form.
How can endometriosis be treated?
Initially, endometriosis can be treated using medications
including the contraceptive pill or pills containing the hormone
progesterone on a continous basis for six months. Other treatments
include monthly injections of hormones that will help the
endometriosis heal by reducing the level of female hormones
produced from the ovaries. Generally, these injections are given
over a period of six months with tablets to counteract the side
effects of hot flushes that can occur as a result of the
injections.
What is the surgical treatment of endometriosis?
If the above measures failed, then the endometriosis can be
excised surgically. This is done through key-hole surgery, where
all the endometriosis deposits are removed from the pelvis. Almost
always, this is done through key-hole surgery, with quick recovery
and return to normal activities. Our consultants provide specialist
expertise in minimal access surgical treatment of
endometriosis.