HealthLinks Upstate Jan/Feb 2022

56 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com In addition to causing painful menstrual cycles, pain during sex, digestive issues and fertility complications, endometriosis may also be responsible for a 40% to 70% increased risk of miscarriage, according to some recent studies. This is not a disorder to be ignored or trivialized – espe- cially for women who desire to be mothers at some point during their child-bearing years. But, as Dr. Cox pointed out, “Even for those women who do not desire to become pregnant, the pelvic pain and discomfort still need to be addressed. First-line agents are generally medical, such as nonsteroidal anti-in- flammatory agents with another medication to control the hormonal environment. However, it is not a one pill or one dose cures all situation, which can be the most frustrating part of treating this disease process for patients and physicians alike. Surgical intervention is another option for patients in severe pain.” Dr. Saraf spoke positively about progress that is being made in this area: “Recently, the FDA has approved medi- cations especially targeted toward endometriosis, including pills, which have been absent in the past. For surgery, robotic platforms have improved the dexterity and visualization at the time of surgical excision to enable complete excision with fewer risks of collateral damage.” Perhaps Dr. Saraf summed it up best when he advised, “While there is no one-size- fits-all treatment option, women suffering from symp- toms of infertility, pelvic pain or both should seek infor- mation from their providers pertaining to endometriosis prior to accepting the relega- tion that this condition is just the normal part of being a woman.” Medical science and com- passionate, caring doctors such as Dr. Saraf and Dr. Cox are part of the forward movement in this field of women’s repro - ductive health. It looks like we are finally moving up on the medical priority list. ENDOMETRIOSIS By the Numbers Experts estimate that 30% TO 40% of women with endometriosis will not be able to have children. (endometriosis.org ) In the United States, 6.5 MILLION , or 1 OF EVERY 10 females 15 TO 44 , will suffer from this painful condition. (womenshealth.gov) Worldwide, 200 MILLION women will experience endometriosis during their reproductive years. (everydayhealth.com) Endometriosis is most prevalent among women in their 30s AND 40s . (womenshealth.gov) In the United States, endometriosis is the THIRD leading cause of gynecologic hospitalization. (bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com ) In addition to causing painful menstrual cycles, pain during sex, digestive issues and fertility compli - cations, endometriosis may also be responsible for a 40% to 70% increased risk of miscarriage, according to some recent studies. This is not a disorder to be ignored or trivialized.