with expert input from Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM)
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue releases inflammatory cytokines into the pelvic floor, causing pain and various comorbidities. Common symptoms include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Effective management often requires a multifaceted approach, including surgery and ongoing care.
If you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis, click here take our quiz.
Why Can Endometriosis Lesions Grow Back Post-Excision Surgery?
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that the medical community is still striving to fully understand. Various factors can trigger the regrowth of endometriosis lesions, including genetic predisposition, neuro-endocrine and hormonal influences, immune system function, and inflammatory factors. Despite excision surgery being the gold standard for removing endometriosis tissue, these underlying triggers can lead to recurrence, necessitating lifelong management.
Common Misconceptions About Recurrence of Endometriosis
A prevalent misconception is, “I had surgery and now I am cured.” However, endometriosis, like asthma or diabetes, cannot be cured but can be optimally managed. The goal is to minimize the disease’s impact on a patient’s life. This involves continuous care and management strategies to keep symptoms at bay and improve quality of life.
Learn more about managing endometriosis here.
Is It Possible to Completely Prevent Recurrence?
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent recurrence 100% of the time, certain strategies can optimize surgical outcomes and prolong the period between recurrences. At PRM, we focus on comprehensive post-surgical care to enhance patients’ quality of life and extend the time between necessary surgeries.
Meet with an Endometriosis Specialist
The Role of Hormonal Treatments in Managing and Preventing Endometriosis Recurrence
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Hormonal treatments play a crucial role in managing and preventing the recurrence of endometriosis by reducing the amount of free estrogen in the body. These treatments can help decrease the growth of endometriosis tissue, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
How PRM Helps with the Recurrence of Endometriosis
At PRM, we aim to optimize endometriosis surgical results to reduce the number of surgeries patients need over their lifetimes. Our approach includes the PRM Protocol™, a patented office-based procedure designed to target and reverse inflammation in the pelvis. By maintaining a healthy, inflammation-free pelvic environment, we strive to prevent the growth of endometriosis lesions and improve patients’ overall well-being.
In conclusion, managing endometriosis requires a comprehensive approach that includes surgery, hormonal treatments, and ongoing care to address inflammation and other underlying factors. With proper management, individuals with endometriosis can lead healthier, more comfortable lives despite the chronic nature of the disease.
