Expert Endometriosis Care Helps Preserve Fertility
During any given month, the average woman has an 18 to 20 percent chance of getting pregnant. But for those with endometriosis, that possibility drops as low as two percent. “Some women with endometriosis think they’ll get lucky if they just keep trying,” says Colleen Milroy, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist with Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC). “The reality is, if you have endometriosis, you may need to see a fertility specialist to help improve your odds of getting pregnant.”
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally grows inside your uterus begins growing outside of it. With each menstrual cycle, this tissue thickens, breaks down and sheds. However, since it can’t exit the body, it can cause inflammation, leading to pain, irritation and in some women, fertility issues. Common symptoms include:
- Painful periods;
- Heavy periods;
- Pain during sex;
- Infertility;
- And pain during bowel movements.
Robotic surgery helps preserve fertility
Fortunately, there are several options for effectively treating the condition. If fertility is not an issue, you may be prescribed hormonal medication that induces a menopausal state. However, if you are trying to become pregnant, removing the extra tissue surgically may be the best option.
SMMC uses the da Vinci® Surgical System to remove endometrial lesions and is the only hospital in Kansas City with fertility specialists trained to do this procedure. This technology, combined with experience, results in patient benefits including less pain, minimal scarring, faster recoveries and improved long-term outcomes.
“The robot allows us better visualization so we’re more likely to find the lesions and have improved control when removing them,” says Milroy. “We’re able to better preserve the patient’s ovaries and her fertility so she has a better chance of becoming pregnant in the future.”
In severe cases – and if fertility is not a concern – total hysterectomy may be an option. During this operation, the uterus, cervix and both ovaries are removed. Women are unable to get pregnant after undergoing this procedure.
SMMC patients benefit from comprehensive treatment plans that draw on the expertise of several medical specialties. “Our patients have access to the best technology led by a team of medical experts including surgeons, fertility specialists, physicians and nurses,” says Milroy.
To find a physician who performs robotic procedures, or to attend a free informational session on robotic surgery, call the ASK-A-NURSE Resource Center at 913-676-7777.
