Suite 9.4, Level 9 Epworth Hospital, 89 Bridge Road Richmond VIC 3121
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Book NowEndometriosis Specialist Melbourne
Dr Hugo Fernandes
Managing endometriosis with compassion and care.
All About Endometriosis
When some women find that their periods are uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive to their daily lives, they may accept it as normal. However, periods shouldn’t be this way. In some cases, the underlying cause may be a condition called endometriosis.
If you’re a girl or woman of reproductive age, this may sound alarming. It may offer you some comfort to know that endometriosis is a common gynaecological problem, affecting approximately one in every 10 women. Some people in the medical field believe this number may actually be higher than reported, due to the normalisation of period pain and how the symptoms vary from one person to another. However, in most cases, there are treatment options available.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when uterine tissue is found outside of the uterus. This often occurs in the pelvis, ovaries, and other pelvic organs, but can also be found elsewhere including the bowels and bladder. Endometrial tissue can be superficial or buried deeper, which typically causes more symptoms.
Endometriosis often comes with similar symptoms to those of heavy or painful periods. This tends to make the journey to diagnose endometriosis longer, in many cases taking many years to confirm the condition.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis symptoms will vary from one person to another. You may experience one, some, or all of the following:
- Pelvic pain
- Bad period pain
- A heavy, long, or irregular menstrual cycle
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Sexual pain such as pain during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty when trying to fall pregnant (infertility)
- Bloating
- Ovulation pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Frequent urination
Other symptoms include mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, pain when using your bladder or bowels, and bleeding between periods. Whatever symptoms you may be experiencing, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause. They may be due to endometriosis or other medical issues affecting the reproductive organs.
Endometriosis Treatment Options
Treatment options for endometriosis vary depending on many factors including the level of pain you’re experiencing, your symptoms, fertility plans, ultrasound results, and more. Your doctor will talk with you about your specific circumstances to determine the most appropriate form of treatment for you. Options include:
- Hormone therapy, such as the oral contraceptive pill
- Pain management
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Exercise
- Nutrition changes, such as trying a gluten-free or FODMAP diet
- Natural therapies
- Surgical treatment, such as laparoscopic surgery
Your Endometriosis Questions Answered
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have endometriosis, they will take note of your endometriosis symptoms, and other information such as when you had your first period, and ask you about your family history. If further investigation is warranted, the first avenue your doctor will explore is a pelvic ultrasound. This will look for ovarian cysts and other potential abnormalities.
Although a pelvic ultrasound may be helpful to some degree, detecting endometriosis is difficult without a keyhole procedure called laparoscopic surgery. This is performed under general anaesthetic. If your surgeon finds endometrial cells, they will be surgically excised or lasered off in the same surgery. They will also take tissue samples (biopsies) to check for very serious diseases or other issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Does having ovarian cysts mean I have endometriosis?
Having cysts on your ovaries doesn’t necessarily indicate you have endometriosis. These cysts may form for many reasons, including the temporary and typically harmless cysts that sometimes form during the menstrual cycle.
However, there is a specific type of ovarian cyst called endometrioma, and this is often associated with endometriosis. If your pelvic ultrasound shows you have cysts on your ovaries and you experience pelvic pain, painful periods, or difficulty falling pregnant, you may be considered for laparoscopic surgery to investigate further.
Does having endometriosis affect my chances of conceiving naturally?
Many women who experience infertility are concerned about the health of their reproductive organs, including wondering if they have endometriosis. If you do have endometriosis, it may affect your chances of conceiving naturally, but the degree to which will vary widely from one woman to another.
Endometriosis may affect fertility through:
- Changes in pelvic organs, as it may cause scar tissue to form which may affect an egg’s ability to travel from the ovary to the fallopian tubes
- Impacts on ovarian function, such as reduced egg quality and quantity
- Inflammation, as inflammatory cells may interfere with an embryo’s ability to implant in the uterus
You may still be able to conceive naturally. However, many women with endometriosis, especially those with very severe disease, opt to undergo fertility treatment. Whether you have mild endometriosis or a more severe form of the condition and are struggling to fall pregnant, fertility treatment from a highly skilled fertility specialist such as Dr Hugo Fernandez may be an option for you to consider.
What is laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy, or laparoscopic surgery, is where a surgeon makes small incisions in your body (in this case, the abdomen) and inserts a camera on a long, thin tube to inspect for disease. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically a day surgery, meaning most women are able to go home the same day.
Does having a family history of endometriosis mean I have an increased risk of developing endometriosis?
Yes, having a close relative typically means you have an increased risk of developing endometriosis. It doesn’t guarantee that you will develop it, and you may never form endometriotic tissue even if other women in your family have. However, if your mother, sister, or another close female relative has or had endometriosis, your chances of having endometriosis occur are typically higher than those without a close family history.
Why Dr Hugo?
Highly Skilled Surgeon
Dr Hugo is a highly skilled surgeon with many years of experience in all areas of fertility, endometriosis, pregnancy, and other conditions affecting the reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, and other organs.
Compassionate Care
Dr Hugo and his team understand the concerns you may have regarding your potential diagnosis and surgical management and always provide personalised care.
Fertility and Endometriosis Support
Dr Hugo has been an advocate for women’s health for over 20 years, offering support in all areas.
Book Your Appointment with Skilled Endometriosis Specialist Dr Hugo
If you have pelvic pain, difficulty conceiving, or heavy or painful periods, endometriosis may be the cause. However, Dr Hugo and his team are here to listen and assist wherever possible. Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or exploring possible treatment options, Dr Hugo offers compassionate care and personalised solutions— book an appointment today.
