Endometriosis
Incidence
 Approximately 7-10% of women aged 15-45 have important endometriosis
Infertile women are 6-8 times more likely to have endometriosis
The average time to present to a Specialist Endometriosis Surgeon is 7-9 years
A summary of proven risk factors for developing endometriosis
Increased risk with:
Early menarche (onset of first period)
Shorter menstrual cycle length (eg 25 day cycle)
Heavier periods
Trans-fat exposure - red meat, alcohol etc
Endometriosis can present with:
Pain - cyclical pain with periods, intercourse and upon emptying the bowels
Fertility - reduction is also proportional to the extent of the disease
Both - by far the most common
Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
Confirmed by surgery (laparoscopy) as this is the 'Gold-Standard'. In almost all patients this is a single day surgery, necessitating the placement of three or four 5-7mm incisions on the abdomen. In most circumstances recovery is 3-4 days (longer in patients with very severe disease). Surgery that is performed expertly improves pain and fertility.
For appointments with Dr Simon Gordon
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