More about Endometriosis

The Thomas Centre for Endometriosis and Endoscopy brings together internationally recognized leaders in the field of endometriosis from renowned local and international hospitals. The Centre focuses on exceptional clinical care, multidisciplinary treatments by specialists, and outstanding educational resources.

In addition to diagnosing and managing teen/adult women’s endometriosis, the centre is a hub for research advancement.

Endometriosis Research

There are some promising approaches to tackling endometriosis that urgently need funding. With your support, Dr Thomas and his research team can work on improving early diagnosis and identifying better treatments to reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease.

They are also exploring whether vitamin supplements and an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms. Additionally, they aim to develop a non-invasive test to monitor the disease's severity.

Your support can help answer key questions that could one day lead to a cure. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against endometriosis.

Endometriosis Diagnosis

An experienced gynaecologist may suspect endometriosis based on a woman’s symptoms and the findings during a pelvic exam. Currently, the only way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy—a minor surgical procedure that is done under general anaesthesia (while the patient is asleep).

Using the laparoscope (which is equipped with a tiny camera on the end), the surgeon can look inside the pelvic cavity and other areas to see if endometrial cells/lesions are present.

Infertility

Not being able to conceive is a common but not a universal problem among all women with endometriosis. Some women will be able to become pregnant without endometriosis treatment.

Since all hormonal treatments prevent pregnancy, medical treatments for endometriosis are not used in women who are attempting to conceive.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis occurs in some women when the cells that normally line the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells) are found in other parts of the body. These cells are typically found in areas around the uterus in the pelvic organs—the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), but they can be found in other parts of the body such as the bowel and/or bladder.

Since they are the same type of cells that are usually just on the inside of the uterus, they respond to Estrogen and grow a little each month and sometimes bleed slightly. The small amount of growth and bleeding each month causes endometriosis. Women who have endometriosis may experience significant endometriosis symptoms including pain, infertility or both.

It is unclear, however, why many women may have no endometriosis symptoms at all and find out they have endometriosis because they develop a cyst on their ovary, or they have surgery for another reason.

Endometriosis Treatment

There is no cure for endometriosis nor one perfect endometriosis treatment. Most women will need to try many different endometriosis treatments that can include medications, behavioural therapy and surgery. Endometriosis treatment requires trial and error to find the best combination for any one person.

If endometriosis is seen at the time of diagnosis, it is removed by laser (intense light energy) or excision (surgical removal). In general, surgery of this type will lessen pelvic pain associated with endometriosis and will enhance fertility.

Often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen are prescribed first for endometriosis treatment. An evaluation at a Pain Treatment Program can often be very helpful to manage pain. Some women find that alternative therapies such as acupuncture, physical therapy or biofeedback can be helpful.

Other treatment options include hormonal therapies. Birth control pills that contain Estrogen and progestins (progesterone hormone) are usually prescribed first. Combinations of Estrogen and progestin may also be prescribed as a patch or a ring that is inserted into the vagina. Other options for endometriosis treatment include progestin alone, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists (drugs that lower Estrogen).

Get in Touch

We value your time and look forward to providing you with the care and attention you deserve. Reach out to us today!

Contact Us