Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment in Lagos
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods and other symptoms, and in some women it may be associated with difficulties becoming pregnant.
If you experience severe period pain, persistent pelvic pain or other symptoms affecting your reproductive health, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are looking for endometriosis treatment in Lagos, the right approach depends on your symptoms, medical history, reproductive plans and the severity and location of the condition.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
This tissue can respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which may contribute to inflammation, pain and other symptoms.
Endometriosis can affect different areas of the pelvis and, in some cases, other organs.
The condition affects women differently. Some women have significant symptoms, while others may have relatively mild symptoms or no obvious symptoms.
At Arctic Gynae Centre, our Gynaecology services include assessment and management of reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Symptoms vary from woman to woman.
Common symptoms can include:
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain when passing urine or having a bowel movement, particularly around menstruation
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Lower back or abdominal pain
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Persistent pelvic discomfort
Severe period pain is sometimes dismissed as normal, but pain that interferes with your daily activities deserves medical attention.
Having painful periods does not automatically mean you have endometriosis, because other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Is Severe Period Pain Normal?
Some menstrual discomfort can be common, but severe or persistent pain should not simply be ignored.
You should consider speaking with a healthcare professional if your period pain:
- Prevents you from going to work or school
- Makes normal daily activities difficult
- Requires frequent pain medication
- Has become progressively worse
- Is associated with pain during sex
- Occurs together with difficulty becoming pregnant
A gynaecological assessment can help determine whether endometriosis or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can Endometriosis Affect Fertility?
Endometriosis can be associated with fertility difficulties in some women.
However, having endometriosis does not automatically mean that you will be unable to become pregnant.
The effect of endometriosis on fertility can vary depending on factors such as the location and extent of the condition, age and other reproductive factors.
If you have endometriosis and are having difficulty conceiving, your doctor may recommend a fertility assessment.
Arctic Gynae Centre provides fertility assessment and treatment as part of its reproductive health services.
You can also read our guide on when to see a fertility specialist in Lagos if you have concerns about conception.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood.
Several theories have been proposed, and research continues into the factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.
Having a close family member with endometriosis may also be associated with an increased likelihood of developing it.
Your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history when assessing your condition.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing endometriosis can sometimes be challenging because its symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions.
Your healthcare provider may begin by discussing:
- Your menstrual history
- The severity and location of your pain
- How long you have experienced symptoms
- Your reproductive history
- Any fertility concerns
- Previous medical treatment
- Other symptoms affecting your health
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend imaging or other investigations.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can provide useful information about the pelvic organs and may help identify certain features associated with endometriosis.
Arctic Gynae Centre provides Radiology services including ultrasound imaging.
However, a normal ultrasound does not necessarily exclude all forms of endometriosis.
Your doctor will determine whether further assessment is appropriate.
How Is Endometriosis Treated?
Treatment depends on several factors, including your symptoms, the extent of the condition and whether you are currently trying to become pregnant.
Treatment may focus on:
- Managing pain
- Controlling symptoms
- Hormonal treatment
- Surgical treatment where appropriate
- Supporting fertility
- Monitoring symptoms
There is no single treatment that is suitable for every woman.
Your healthcare provider should discuss the available options with you and explain the potential benefits and risks.
Medication for Endometriosis
Medication may be used to manage symptoms associated with endometriosis.
Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend pain-relieving medication or hormonal treatment.
Hormonal treatments may help reduce symptoms by affecting the hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle.
However, treatment needs to be tailored to your circumstances, particularly if you are trying to become pregnant.
You should speak with your doctor before starting or stopping medication.
Surgery for Endometriosis
In some circumstances, surgery may be considered.
Surgery may be discussed when symptoms are significant, when other treatment approaches have not provided adequate relief or when there are specific findings that require surgical management.
The type of procedure depends on the location and extent of the endometriosis.
Arctic Gynae Centre provides Reproductive Health Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery as part of its specialist women’s healthcare services.
Whether surgery is appropriate should be determined following an individual medical assessment.
Endometriosis and Fertility Treatment
If you have endometriosis and are trying to conceive, your fertility treatment plan may need to take the condition into account.
Your doctor may assess factors such as:
- Your age
- Ovarian reserve
- Severity and location of endometriosis
- Fallopian tube function
- Sperm factors
- Previous fertility treatment
- Previous surgery
Depending on the circumstances, treatment may involve medical management, surgery, fertility treatment or a combination of approaches.
If assisted reproductive treatment is appropriate, you can learn more about IVF and IUI and discuss your individual circumstances with a fertility specialist.
Can Endometriosis Come Back After Treatment?
Endometriosis symptoms can return after treatment in some women.
The likelihood of recurrence can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the condition and the type of treatment received.
Follow-up care can help your healthcare provider monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment when necessary.
Endometriosis and Pregnancy
Many women with endometriosis become pregnant.
However, some women may experience difficulty conceiving and may benefit from fertility assessment or treatment.
If you have endometriosis and are planning a pregnancy, discussing your reproductive plans with your gynaecologist can help you understand whether any assessment or treatment is appropriate before trying to conceive.
When Should You See a Gynaecologist?
Consider booking an appointment if you experience:
- Severe or worsening period pain
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain when passing urine or having bowel movements during your period
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Symptoms that interfere with your daily life
You should also seek medical advice if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis and your symptoms are changing.
Early assessment may help you understand the possible cause of your symptoms and discuss appropriate management.
Choosing Endometriosis Treatment in Lagos
If you are searching for endometriosis treatment in Lagos, consider choosing a healthcare provider that can assess your symptoms comprehensively.
Endometriosis can affect pain, menstrual health and fertility, so your care may involve different aspects of reproductive health.
Consider whether your healthcare provider offers access to:
- Gynaecological assessment
- Diagnostic imaging
- Fertility assessment
- Medical treatment
- Surgical treatment where appropriate
- Follow-up care
Arctic Gynae Centre provides gynaecology, reproductive health and fertility services for women in Lagos.
Endometriosis Care at Arctic Gynae Centre
Arctic Gynae Centre provides Gynaecology services for women experiencing a range of reproductive health concerns, including endometriosis.
Where imaging is required, our Radiology services provide diagnostic support.
For patients who may require surgical management, Reproductive Health Surgery and Minimal Access Surgery are available depending on the clinical circumstances.
For women experiencing fertility difficulties, our fertility services can help assess possible factors affecting conception and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endometriosis
Can endometriosis be cured?
There is currently no guaranteed cure for endometriosis, but symptoms can often be managed through medication, surgery or other approaches depending on the individual circumstances.
Can endometriosis cause infertility?
Endometriosis can be associated with fertility difficulties in some women, but having endometriosis does not mean that pregnancy is impossible.
Is severe period pain a sign of endometriosis?
Severe period pain can be a symptom of endometriosis, but other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A medical assessment is needed to determine the possible cause.
Do I need surgery for endometriosis?
Not necessarily. Some women manage their symptoms with medication or other approaches. Surgery may be considered in certain circumstances.
Can I get pregnant naturally with endometriosis?
Yes. Many women with endometriosis become pregnant naturally, while others may require fertility assessment or treatment.
Where can I get endometriosis treatment in Lagos?
Arctic Gynae Centre provides gynaecological assessment and treatment for endometriosis in Lagos. You can book a consultation to discuss your symptoms with the medical team.
Get Endometriosis Care in Lagos
Persistent pelvic pain or severe period pain should not simply be accepted as something you have to live with.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be associated with endometriosis, a proper medical assessment can help identify possible causes and determine what treatment may be appropriate.
If you are looking for endometriosis treatment in Lagos, you can book a consultation with Arctic Gynae Centre to discuss your symptoms and reproductive health concerns.
You can also explore our Gynaecology services to learn more about the conditions we assess and manage.
Arctic Gynae Centre
R5, Atlantic Vista Estate, Olokonla, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos
Phone: +234 913 215 9156
Email: info@arcticobgyn.com
