Endometriosis specialist Perth
Endometriosis is a chronic condition with abnormal tissue growing outside the uterus.This abnormal tissue is similar to the endometrial tissue that forms the lining inside your uterus.
- When abnormal tissue grows outside the uterus, you may have endometriosis
- It unfortunately can take an average 10 years to diagnose endometriosis
- The condition is painful and debilitating
- Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment
Endometriosis Perth
What is it?
Endometriosis – often called ‘endo’ – is a chronic condition that causes cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus, to be found outside the womb.
It’s not clear what causes endometriosis.
It is very hard to diagnose. Symptoms vary from patient to patient and that is one of the reasons why it takes on average 6 years for women to seek help.
Endometriosis Specialist Perth
About one in nine women of reproductive age have endometriosis.
Endometriosis symptoms
The symptoms are variable but often include:
- Pain before or during a period
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain whilst urinating or during bowel motions
- Bleeding; this can present as irregular bleeding or very heavy bleeding during a period
- Bloating is also commonly reported as is pelvic floor muscle spasm
Endometriosis Specialist Perth
Up to 60% of women with endometriosis suffer from painful sexual intercourse. Pain can sometimes last after intercourse as well.
As soon as you experience any of the above symptoms or suspect that you may suffer from this condition, it is wise to contact us.
It takes on average 10 years before endometriosis is diagnosed. There are many reasons for this; one in particular is a lack of awareness amongst caregivers and patients about the condition. The symptoms are often uncomfortable to talk about and can sometimes be “normalised”. Furthermore there are many conditions whose symptoms can mimic those of endometriosis.
Endometriosis diagnosis
How is ‘endo’ diagnosed?
When you book a consultation we will take a full clinical history and perform an examination. Based on the outcomes, we can suspect endometriosis. But the best way to make a diagnosis is through a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy or keyhole surgery. Sometimes a biopsy is obtained to confirm this.
Even though you can manage your symptoms with pain medication and hormone therapy, the aim of surgery is to remove as many patches of endometriosis as possible.
Endometriosis Specialist Perth
In summary: Endometriosis must be excised and this can only be achieved surgically. If this is not done, it is likely to progress and lead to chronic symptoms.
Many women who suffer from endometriosis in Australia seek out natural therapies and lifestyle changes to help manage some of their symptoms. This often leads to healthier choices, however there is a lack of good quality evidence supporting the management of endometriosis with lifestyle changes. More research is needed.
Endometriosis surgery Perth
How is it treated?
Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard for diagnosing and treating endometriosis.
That’s right. Endometriosis can be treated whilst diagnosing. Typically, when we suspect endometriosis, we will do a laparoscopy, and when endo is present we will treat it straight away to avoid a second surgery.
Endometriosis Specialist Perth
Endometriosis surgery is performed by making 3 or 4 small incisions on the abdomen. Then we cut away the abnormal tissue. Sometimes and depending on the extent of the disease, your surgery may require the assistance of other health professionals such as a bowel or a urological surgeon.
A hysterectomy is not routinely recommended for endometriosis.
Yes, you can.
No. Endometriosis won’t impact your pregnancy.
Endometriosis support group
Perth support groups for endometriosis
Living with endometriosis, can be painful and difficult. Luckily, there are many endometriosis support groups in Perth.
Here at Jogg, we recommend visiting the following websites for more information:
Endometriosiswa.org.au
G.A.I.N
Endometriosis Western Australia Warriors
And
Endozone, which is not specifically WA based but is a good Australian resource for endometriosis.
12 excellent reasons to choose Joondalup Obstetrics and Gynaecology Group
Care for the whole family, organising work certificates for partners.
Providing safe care and birth options (experience as a rural GP obstetrician).
A limited number of private patients to allow us the ability to provide patients with the service they deserve.
Make the time for patients, understand what they want/expect from their journey, available 24/7 (when on leave you will be covered during those times).
Blood pressure management.
Foetal growth assessment.
Maintaining a close relationship with your GP.
In-house access to allied health services such as physiotherapy and lactation consultants.
Free online antenatal classes.
About
JOGG
We are Joondalup Obstetrics and Gynaecology Group, in short JOGG. We are a Joondalup-based private obstetrics and gynaecology practice, and cater for mums, women and families across the Perth metro area.
