Diagnosing and Treating Endometriosis

Diagnosing Endometriosis

A fertility doctor (reproductive endocrinologist) should perform a laparoscopy for the evaluation of endometriosis. These highly trained specialists can often treat the disease during the diagnostic laparoscopy.

Treating Endometriosis

Endometriosis depends on estrogen for growth so drug treatments aim at reducing estrogen levels. It is commonly treated with Lupron, a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Once the estrogen levels decline the patient can experience all of the side effects normally associated with menopause. However, it will slow endometrial cell growth.

Endometriosis is often surgically removed during a laparoscopy. Fertility specialists meticulously remove all endometriosis lesions as there is some evidence that even small amounts of endometriosis can lower pregnancy rates.

If endometriosis has penetrated the fallopian tubes, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be the best treatment option. Tubal damage may be so severe that surgical treatment may not be a viable option. There may also be severe damage to the ovaries or other internal organs.