TILII TOPICS
Occurring in one in ten women of reproductive age, endometriosis can be painful and dangerous to reproductive health. Dr. Neetu K. Sodhi, DO, MPH is an endometriosis specialist and provides diagnostics and treatment for endometriosis and other women’s health issues serving Tarzana, CA, the San Fernando Valley as well as the greater Los Angeles area.
Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disorder in which uterine tissue grows outside your uterus. These growths can affect all surrounding reproductive organs including your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and in some severe cases, colon, rectum, and other tissue beyond the pelvis; this can cause severe pelvic and abdominal pain.
Even though the endometrial tissue is in the wrong place, it continues to act as it normally would within the uterus- thickening and breaking down with each menstrual cycle. However, because it is not in the uterus, it cannot exit vaginally. The displaced tissue becomes irritated and eventually forms scar tissue and adhesions, causing pelvic tissue and organs to stick together. It is a common problem that needs frequent monitoring and treatment because complications may lead to pain and infertility.
What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis may or may not cause symptoms. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain or cramps that may begin a week or two before your period starts. Pelvic or back pain may continue during your period. Your periods may become increasingly painful. The pain may feel dull or quite severe. You may experience pain during or after sexual intercourse or bowel movements. You may spot blood before your period begins. You may bleed quite heavily during your period or bleed between periods. You may experience infertility, the inability to become pregnant after a year of trying. Symptoms of endometriosis go away during pregnancy and after menopause.
How to treat Endometriosis?
It is important to come in for a consultation with Dr. Sodhi if you feel your symptoms are consistent with possible endometriosis. Failure to treat endometriosis can lead to permanent damage of the pelvic organs.
There are several treatment options for endometriosis involving both medications and sometimes surgery to remove cysts, scar tissue, or adhesions. We also offer ayurvedic blends and specially formulated probiotics that can be added to your treatment plan to help reduce your symptoms naturally. Dr. Sodhi will monitor you closely and work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your symptoms and lifestyle to help improve your quality of life. She uses medical management as much as possible, and though she is a highly skilled minimally-invasive surgeon, she uses surgery only when absolutely necessary.