By Marilyn Olson
Herald News
Joliet -- "Some 30 percent of American women between the
ages of 25 and 40 have some degree of endometriosis," says Dr. Marek Piekos
of Reproductive Health Specialists of Joliet. "Endometriosis, where
the endometrial tissue which is normally confined to the uterus, grows outside
the uterus and implants on pelvic organs, is a progressive disease which can
cause painful periods and, in more severe cases, infertility."
Endometrial tissue when it grows outside the uterus, irritates
the surrounding tissue, produces scar tissue-like adhesions, and can bind the
pelvic organs together. It can cause cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, and
problems with bowel and bladder function. The cause of endometriosis is
unknown.
In 30 to 40 percent of women with endometriosis, the disease
can cause infertility. The disease may block the fallopian tubes, bind the
organs together, and interfere with the release of eggs by the fallopian
tubes. A woman with endometriosis who does become pregnant has an increased
chance of miscarriage as well.
Endometriosis also decreases the fertility rate by changing
the fluid in the fallopian tubes, which may cause it to destroy sperm.
Diagnosis of endometriosis is through a symptomatic history,
physical examination, and, often through laparoscopy, where a tiny camera is
inserted into the abdominal cavity to actually view endometrial lesions.
Symptoms may include painful periods, cramps, heavy bleeding,
painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding and bleeding at irregular intervals,
painful bowel movements, and infertility.
"Infertility is usually the symptom that sends the woman
to her doctor," says Dr. Piekos.
Treatment for mild endometriosis may be simply trying to get
pregnant for six months to a year. Pain control may be achieved through
the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprophen or Naproxin.
Hormone therapy to reduce the body's production of estrogen, which causes the
endometrial tissue to thicken, maybe be done under close supervision of a
physician because of potentially serious side effects.
Hormone therapy may decrease pain, reduce the lesions, and can
preserve fertility in a woman who may want to have children at a later date.
A laprascopy may be done to view the severity of the lesions,
and may also be used to remove adhesions and scar tissues, which relieves
symptoms.
"Very severe cases may require a hysterectomy (removal of
the uterus) and sometimes the ovaries as well," Dr, Piekos says. The
surgery is necessary when there are a lot of lesions, or when the woman has
completed her family."
Dr. Piekos holds a medical degree from Rush Presbyterian
St.Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, where he also was awarded a fellowship in
obstetrics and gynecology. He completed his residency in obstetrics and
gynecology at Stoneybrook Hospital in New York. He is board certified in
obstetrics and gynecology.
Fully Accredited by the
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
& the
Clinical Laboratory Inspection Agency (CLIA)
