Endometriosis is something that some women will develop in their lives. One of the best ways to confirm the condition is by having a laparoscopy for endometriosis but this is not the only option available. There are a number of benefits to this method but there are also downsides that you should be aware of.
What is Endometriosis?
This condition is when the cells in the uterus lining appear outside of the cavity and often on the ovaries. The cells are controlled by the female hormones that pass through the body and are influence by hormonal changes. Many women will find that the problem gets worse at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
Signs of Endometriosis
There are a number of different signs that you may have this condition, but it can be difficult to confirm the results. This is one of the reasons for a laparoscopy for endometriosis is to be able to confirm the results and then go through the process of removing the cells.
The first sign is usually pain in the pelvic region, which can be just in one area or both sides. This can also lead to a pain in the rectal area and even down your legs. It will sometimes get worst at certain times of the menstrual cycle but this does depend on how far along the endometriosis has developed. There are times that the pains are only noted at certain times, such as while urinating or while having sex.
There are times that infertility is a symptom and also side effect of the condition. This is why it is important to determine whether a laparoscopy for endometriosis is something that you should consider. The problem is that scarring and adhesions can form on the ovaries and other areas due to the cells. This will often link to infertility or problems with embryos implanting in the womb.
Having a laparoscopy for Endometriosis
The main benefit of having a laparoscopy is that it is a minimal procedure and offers the fewest risks. It is usually done through keyhole surgery and there is a very small scar noticed afterwards. There is usually a telescope that is sent through to be able to confirm the diagnosis of the condition and then a laser or heat is often used to destroy the tissue that has developed.
Of course, this is surgery, which is something that many people will start to worry about. There are some risks with any surgery and it does not mean that the problem will go away for the rest of your life; there are chances that the cells will develop in the wrong place again. There are also concerns that the scar tissue may also link to problems with fertility.
Another option is to have a laparotomy, which means making an incision in the abdomen. This is more invasive but does mean that the condition can be cleared quickly and easily. However, this means that the recovery time is much longer and there is more pain in the recovery process. There are also more risks to the surgery.
