The team at Ultrasound Care are delighted to show their support for #EndometriosisAustralia and #MarchintoYellow2023
This week we enjoyed a yellow themed morning tea and wore yellow ribbons to help raise general awareness of this disease, and to show support to our patients.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the presence of the tissue which lines the inside of the uterus growing in areas outside the uterus. Adenomyosis is the presence of this tissue within the muscle of the uterus.
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 9 women, girls and those assigned female at birth, and it can often take many years before being diagnosed.
Endometriosis can cause heavy, painful periods, pain during intercourse, vaginal spotting prior to the start of menstruation, pain when passing a bowel motion, bleeding from the bowel during a period. Endometriosis is also associated with delay in conceiving and repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Until 10 years ago endometriosis was mainly diagnosed with laparoscopy. However, many women needed to return for a definitive procedure.
We are now able to detect deep infiltrating endometriosis at ultrasound scan. Endometriosis which is superficial is not as easy to visualise and cannot always be excluded by ultrasound yet there are soft markers for its presence.
Why is an Ultrasound Scan Useful?`
An ultrasound scan to assess for the presence of deep infiltrating endometriosis is replacing/has replaced undergoing a diagnostic laparoscopy. Having an ultrasound scan for deep infiltrating endometriosis enables your doctor to decide whether non-surgical or surgical management is the most appropriate for your situation.
Any subsequent surgical removal of the endometriosis can then be planned with a gynaecological laparoscopic surgeon, ensuring the correct estimated time for the operation in conjunction with other surgeons such as urologists and colorectal surgeons where indicated. Having the endometriosis removed will alleviate symptoms and improve spontaneous conception rates and IVF cycle successes.
At Ultrasound Care we can perform ultrasound scans to assess for deep infiltrating endometriosis as well as checking for the related condition of adenomyosis. You may request an appointment by filling out this form.
