Dr. Vand and Dr. Aliabadi: Endometriosis and Painful Periods

Dr. Thais Aliabadi discusses endometriosis: why it’s often undiagnosed, non-invasive treatment options and how it can impact fertility.

Education is key when it comes to endometriosis. Many gynecologists and primary care doctors misdiagnose endometriosis or write-off a woman’s symptoms. Know that painful periods are not ok!

Average age of diagnosis is 32 years old and on average it takes seven to eleven years to get diagnosed. This is because endometriosis patients are complicated and require extra time in the clinic and most doctors cannot spend this extra time with patients.

Endometriosis is the most common cause of infertility. Dr. Aliabadi says, “There is nothing more devastating than a woman who wants to start a family and can’t get pregnant. That is why endometriosis has become my passion.”

Fortunately there are treatment options available, many of which are non-invasive. The most important thing is to get to the point of accurate diagnosis. And sooner rather than later, you don’t want to get to the point where the damage caused by endometriosis is irreversible.

[kerip]

Problem with suppressing endometriosis is there are other complications that come from it. Now this is only my personal experience it may be different for others. I've been diagnosed with endo since I was 16. Stage 3 currently, with at least 6 surgeries I've lost count honestly and the most recent one ending with a ovary being removed. With using hormonal suppression for treatment either by multiple different birth controls or hormone replacement therapy such as lupron. I get yeast infections, in most instance no pain relief or a increase in pain with new onset symptoms. Which inclide hot flashes, significant weight gain, terrible mood swings, increase in aniexty and depression...ect. My sex drive is zapped and non existent and hormones make sex impossible and so painful and traumatic. It is painful to begin with but with birth control it's like a knife is stabbing me. Vestibule -o-dynia (not correct spelling) is the condition I get when taking birth control. Which at the time of diagnosis I was told basically taking birth controls zap my estrogen and testosterone levels. And it has caused me to bounce from doctor to doctor because 'theres nothing else we can do' is said way too much and is aggravating because they can't tell me who to go to. They list off big hospitals but don't have a referral to a specialist that could potentially help me. I've been told to see a sex therapist for painful sex. One doctor I asked who does he recommended? He told me to check Google which pops up a whole different ad and not any legitimate MD doctors. I have fallen into the category of not treating my disease. It's sad but with all the side effects I get I much rather have a surgeon go in every 2-3 years and remove adhesions, it is not practical or ok but what other choice do I have when no one can give me an actual Endo specialist. Googling does nothing.

[dianawilson]

Doctor what is your view on nexplanon?

[yoyoyazzy]

Is it necessary to go on birth control with endometriosis? Is there a way to stop it getting worse without surgery or birth control if it is in an early stage?

[mistyehmann]

Can you get free fluid in your pelvis when you have endometriosis?