Medical Professionals
15
Helping Small Miracles Happen
Endometriosis And Infertility WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue normally located in the uterus is abnormally found elsewhere in the abdomen. It affects women primarily from the late teenage years to the time of menopause. Classically, endometriosis is responsible for much of the chronic pelvic pain symptoms in women of reproductive age, and a common cause of infertility. Although the exact cause is unknown, evidence supports a genetic predisposition to developing endometriosis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Women with endometriosis often experience painful periods and pelvic pain varying from a mild annoyance to severe debilitating pain. It is estimated that endometriosis may be present in up to a third of reproductive age women with pelvic pain, and up to forty percent of women presenting with infertility.
HOW IS ENDOMETRIOSIS DIAGNOSED?
A detailed medical history, physical exam, and pelvic ultrasound are common components in the workup of a patient with suspected endometriosis. Medical history may be consistent with painful menstrual periods, including pain with intercourse and pain when having a bowel movement or voiding. Ovarian cysts can be found on ultrasound that may or may not be symptomatic. A definitive diagnosis is based on surgical exploration of the abdomen, with visual evidence of endometriosis.
WHAT CAUSES ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, this benign disease is thought to arise from a combination of menstrual fluid that backflows from the uterus into the fallopian tubes and enters the abdomen. Another likely factor is cellular changes that create endometriosis implants in the abdomen, or that an altered immune system response allows these endometriosis cells to successfully survive and grow outside of the uterine cavity.
HOW DOES ENDOMETRIOSIS AFFECT MY CHANCES OF FERTILITY? Women with endometriosis have a strong association with infertility. It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of infertile women have endometriosis, and that the extent of infertility is directly associated with the severity of disease.
WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Treatment of endometriosis depends on the clinical symptoms, which include pelvic pain and/or infertility. Medical treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications or oral contraceptives in those women with mild symptoms not desiring pregnancy. Medications that decrease the production of estrogen in the body are also being utilized to treat this disease. Although medical therapies address the symptoms, they do not provide a measurable benefit regarding fertility. Therefore, on a case-by-case basis, surgical treatment may be beneficial in restoring ovarian and fallopian tube anatomy, and to remove endometriosis implants. Fertility treatments may often be required to achieve pregnancy. Endometriosis can affect many facets of a woman’s health. It is important that patients be educated about the implications of this condition, and that proper evaluation and care is implemented by their provider. At the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey, we are available to answer your fertility questions, perform a complete fertility evaluation, and present you with individualized options for conception, all in a comfortable and caring setting. Our patients are made to feel like guests in our home. We are a full-service fertility center experienced in all the latest technologies and look forward to helping you achieve success.
For more information call our Toms River office number at 732-240-3000 or visit www.FertillityNJ.com.
• Comprehensive Fertility Care • InVitro Fertilization (IVF) • Intrauterine Insemination • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) • Preimplantation Genetic Testing • Egg Freezing • Donor Egg • Treatment for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss • Advanced Robotic Reproductive Surgery
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Pictured (L-R): Dr. William F. Zeigler • Dr. Alan M. Martinez
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Recipe
Making the Most of Fall Harvest, Compliments of Chef Steph Autumn Vegetable Medley with Rosemary and Nutmeg
Serves 6 The County Woman Magazine
9 ounce(s) fennel bulb with stalks 2 cup(s) butternut squash cut into 1/2 cubes 1 1/2 cup(s) parsnip cut into 1 inch thick slices 1 1/2 cup(s) carrot cut into 1 inch thick slices 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) rosemary, fresh chopped 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt 1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper 1 dash(es) nutmeg freshly grated 1/3 cup(s) Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 425°. Trim tough outer leaves from fennel. Cut fennel bulb in half lengt wise; discard core. Cut each half into three wedges. Combine fennel, squash, and next 7 ingredients (through nutmeg) in a large shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 35 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle vegetable mixture with cheese, if desired, just before serving.
www.TheCountyWoman.com
Recipe by: Cutting Board Creations
November/December 2021
