What Is Endometriosis?
Women in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tempe, AZ who have experienced the side effects of menstrual cramps can empathize with those who have endometriosis. Even more, though, the heavy cramping and constant pain during the menstrual cycle of a woman with endometriosis can become disruptive to everyday life. Endometriosis takes over a woman’s uterine lining and creates intense pressure in the pelvic area. Not only that, it creates extra stress on the body by surrounding organs with excess endometrium and can even make it difficult to get pregnant. At Dr. Linda Sodoma Aesthetics and Gynecology, we offer our patients the opportunity to diagnose and treat endometriosis utilizing minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Linda Sodoma is a board-certified gynecologist who provides women with a variety of options to help relieve symptoms of endometriosis. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office in Gilbert, AZ.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Endometriosis?
While endometriosis can be managed, it cannot be cured. We can target pain and symptoms through treatment. The most common treatment options include:
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy includes birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings that can slow the growth of endometrial tissues by delivering a steady dose of hormones. An IUD can also be used to release hormones into the uterus to decrease the thickness of the tissue that has grown.
Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is performed by utilizing freezing or heating techniques that can eliminate some of the thickness of the endometrial tissues in the uterus. This is a minimally invasive laser technique.
Surgery
If the above solutions have not provided adequate relief, we may suggest surgery as a last resort. During this surgery, we can make two very tiny incisions in the abdomen where we will insert a light and camera. From there, we can visibly see endometriosis and overflowing uterine tissues, which we can remove.