For this week’s Maternity Centre Monday, we cover endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the tissue lining the inside of the uterus grows in other places inside of the body, causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in pain and scar tissue.

Endometriosis affects around 10% of reproductive age women. Common places for endometriosis to occur inside of the abdominal cavity are on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outside of the bowel and bladder, and on the walls of the pelvis. While the cause of endometriosis is unknown, symptoms can include painful period, chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, pain with urination or bowel movements, trouble getting pregnant, depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, endometriosis can’t be cured.

The mainstay of treatment includes medications and judicious use of minimally invasive surgery. Our team of gynecologists at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) include trained minimally invasive surgeons who have expertise in the medical and surgical management of endometriosis.

Find out more by visiting bit.ly/TBRHSC-Maternity-Centre