Frequently Asked Questions
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Is endometriosis cancer?
No. Endometriosis cysts are not cancer. What are my chances of getting pregnant? 60-70% of women with endometriosis have no problems conceiving. 40% of infertile couples have endometriosis present in the woman. > More about endometriosis and infertility Will I need IVF treatment if I want to get pregnant? Some women do need Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART). Your specialist will advise which ART is suitable. > More about ART What are the most common symptoms? Pelvic pain is the most common. It can occur during menstruation, between periods, during intercourse or with a bowel movements. Another symptom is infertility, and some women also experience severe fatigue. > More about symptoms How can I relieve the pain? Most women can control their pain by taking a combination of paracetamol and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs > More about treatments Is there a cure? No. But the symptoms can be treated. Most women are able to manage their symptoms. > More about treatments Is endometriosis a sexually transmitted disease or infectious? No. Endometriosis cannot be transferred from one person to another and it is not an infectious disease. Is endometriosis inherited? Research shows that close relatives (daughters, sisters) of women with endometriosis are more likely to develop it. Will pregnancy cure endometriosis? No. Some women find that their pain symptoms are reduced during pregnancy. In most cases, endometriosis will return after giving birth and stopping breastfeeding. Will I need surgery? There are various non-surgical treatments. > More about treatments If you do need surgery it will most likely be a laparoscopy which will be performed as day surgery. You need a surgeon who is an expert in this area to give you the best chance of having all endometriosis removed. Where will I have to go to have surgery? In Ballarat, our surgeons operate at Ballarat Day Procedure Centre, St John of God Hospital Ballarat and Ballarat Health Services. They also perform some procedures in Maryborough, Bacchus Marsh, Stawell, Kyneton and Ararat – please discuss this with your surgeon. |
Is it likely I will need to have my ovary/ovaries removed?
At Ballarat Endometriosis Clinic we try to preserve a woman’s ovaries at all costs. How long will I be out of action? You will be able to resume normal activities within 7-10 days, but it depends on the surgery you need. Your surgeon will give you a post-operative summary that will tell you what is best for you. Will it come back? It is potentially ongoing, even after a hysterectomy. Symptoms generally subside after menopause due to hormonal changes. What follow-up will I need after surgery? Most women benefit from taking the pill (oral contraceptive pill) or other hormone modifying treatment for example Zoladex and Mirena IUD > More about these treatments to suppress the endometriosis after surgery. Some women benefit from undertaking Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART). > More about ART Will I need a further laparoscopy? Occasionally yes, but with good follow-up treatment most women don’t. Will a hysterectomy cure endometriosis? A hysterectomy does not guarantee endometriosis will not come back and does not guarantee complete relief from pain and so it is recommended only in very severe cases. > More about surgical options How often do complications occur?
Where can I find more information? www.endometriosis.org.au www.endometriosisfoundation.org Our aim is that through careful assessment and personalised care with a multidisciplinary approach, that your endometriosis symptoms, fertility and quality of life are improved and recurrence is minimised. We welcome questions regarding your treatment/surgery/medication and are happy to discuss by phone/email or in person. |
