Endometriosis

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor or gynecologist if you have pain just before or during your menstrual period, pelvic or abdominal pain, abnormally heavy menstrual periods, vaginal spotting or any other symptom of endometriosis. Also, contact your doctor if you are trying to conceive a child and you have not become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Prognosis

Overall, the outlook is good, especially when the condition is diagnosed and treated early. Medical and surgical treatments can relieve the pain of endometriosis in about 90% of women who have this condition.

Even without treatment, three out of four women with mild endometriosis eventually can become pregnant. Of those who choose to have laparoscopic surgery to improve their fertility, about 40% become pregnant after the procedure.

Symptoms of endometriosis go away after menopause, as long as estrogen treatment is not used.

Additional Info

National Institute of Child Health & Human Development Building 31, Room 2A32 MSC 2425 31 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892-2425 Toll-Free: (800) 370-2943Fax: (301) 496-7101 E-Mail: nichdinformationresourcecenter@mail.nih.gov http://www.nichd.nih.gov/

Endometriosis Association 8585 N. 76th Place Milwaukee, WI 53223 Phone: (414) 355-2200 Toll-Free: (800) 992-3636 Fax: (414) 355-6065 E-Mail: endo@endometriosisassn.org http://www.endometriosisassn.org/