An estimated 10 percent of women in their childbearing years suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and can cause inflammation and adhesions in areas around the uterus such as the ovaries, bladder, and bowels. Because not all women experience common symptoms related to endometriosis, such as severe cramps or heavy monthly cycles, patients may not realize they have this condition. Another side effect of endometriosis can be difficulty conceiving.
Diagnosing and Treating Endometriosis
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Dr. Eva Littman and the team at Red Rock Fertility want to help patients understand endometriosis and the treatment options available to help infertile couples achieve healthy pregnancies. Providing information and support to our patients is a critical element of delivering superior treatment and care.
As part of your complete fertility evaluation, Dr. Littman will review your medical history, including a discussion of your menstrual cycles. If she suspects endometriosis, she may start with an ultrasound, which can detect the problem if the growths are large enough to be visualized on-screen. Often, laparoscopic surgery is the best way to confirm endometriosis.
Depending on the severity of the endometriosis, Dr. Littman may try to remove the toxic tissue, eliminating the obstacles to conception. If the fallopian tubes are blocked or scarring has caused damage, you may need to consider other fertility treatments to achieve pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may offer the best chances of success.
Struggling to conceive and not understanding the problem can create stress in your life. In our Las Vegas fertility clinic, Dr. Littman provides the expertise and skills to identify barriers to pregnancy, including conditions like endometriosis.
Please visit www.lasvegasfertility.com for more information. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment in our Las Vegas fertility clinic.