Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of your uterus. Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful sexual function, infertility, and many others.
Endometriosis may affect more than 11 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the Office on Women’s Heath of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In this Q&A, Susan Khalil, MD, a gynecologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai West, answers frequently asked questions about endometriosis, including possible treatments and options if you might be considering getting pregnant.
Who is most likely to have endometriosis?
Endometriosis is very common in women, affecting about 60 percent of those who have infertility issues. It’s also very common in those who have chronic pelvic pain, affecting up to 80 percent of those patients. Across the entire U.S. population, endometriosis is estimated to affect from eight to ten percent of women.
Endometriosis may affect more than 11 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44. To schedule an appointment with one of our endometriosis specialists, call 646-412-9894.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis can present in many different ways. That’s why it’s sometimes called the “Grand Masquerader,” presenting with pelvic pain, painful periods, sometimes infertility, sometimes painful urination, painful bowel movements, or painful sexual function. At the same time, some women with the condition have no symptoms.
What is the typical age for endometriosis to occur?
Endometriosis commonly affects reproductive age women and persons. That includes anywhere from the start of menstrual periods, which is known as menarche, all the way up to menopause. So that’s a large range.
What are the risk factors?
There are several risk factors. Family history is a strong risk factor. Another risk factor is early start of the menstrual period. Other factors include obstructive anomalies, or congenital anomalies, which can obstruct the uterus and the uterine flow, and these can be associated with a higher risk of endometriosis.
Is it possible to get pregnant after endometriosis?
It is possible to get pregnant after being diagnosed with endometriosis. Endometriosis can present in ways that do not affect your ability to become pregnant. But some will need infertility or assisted reproductive techniques in order to achieve their reproductive goals.
What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?
If left untreated, endometriosis sometimes can be a progressive condition that can lead to mechanical obstruction of the various areas in the reproductive tract, causing chronic pain as well as infertility. Sometimes there is a slight association with an increased risk for certain types of gynecologic cancers.
What are the treatment options?
One of the treatment options for endometriosis is surgical excision therapy, which includes minimally invasive techniques with laparoscopy or robotic surgery. At Mount Sinai, we offer specialty surgical services, where we collaborate with our specialists to provide excellence in endometriosis surgery in the operating room as well as in an outpatient setting. Pain medication and hormone therapy can also be used for treatment.