Episode 23 - What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

Sex & Wellness with Dr. Mary

Have you heard of endometriosis before? It is often under diagnosis. It is a leading cause of ongoing pelvic pain.
We have Dr. Deborah Ikhena-Abel, a reproductive endocrinologist at Kindbody here in Austin, Texas. Today, we will be talking about the treatment options for endometriosis.
Let’s talk about what endometriosis is, what the symptoms are, how birth control can be helpful for treating endometriosis, non-birth control and non-medical treatment options for endometriosis, the relationship between endometriosis and infertility, and so much more!
We hope that you find the information in this episode valuable. So please, give this episode a listen to empower yourself with knowledge regarding endometriosis!
Let’s talk about:

• 0:35 – Introduction to today’s guest
• 1:00 – What is a reproductive endocrinologist and what Dr. Deborah does
• 1:42 – What is endometriosis
• 5:36 – The typical diagnosis for endometriosis
• 6:50 – Painful periods as a symptom of endometriosis and how painful periods are normalized
• 8:06 – Other symptoms of endometriosis
• 13:01 – Some non-birth control options for treating pain from endometriosis
• 17:33 – Why Dr. Deborah thinks birth control options are helpful for treating endometriosis
• 19:45 – How long can you stay on the different options for treating endometriosis and their side effects
• 23:53 – Non-medical options for treating endometriosis especially for pain from endometriosis
• 29:53 – Discussion on the theory that endometriosis is a form of an autoimmune disease
• 30:53 – Discussion on endometriosis and infertility
• 33:32 – How treatment goes for the patients of Dr. Deborah who are experiencing pain from endometriosis and wants to get pregnant
• 40:54 – Discussion on patients who have blocked fallopian tubes
• 42:49 – When does Dr. Deborah decide that surgery is the best option for treating pain from endometriosis and infertility
• 46:33 – Some helpful things to help with pain from endometriosis
• 48:07 – Importance of looking at all other aspects to address different types of pain and how we feel in our body
• 54:52 – Conclusion: Dr. Deborah’s take on why she thinks endometriosis is often misdiagnosed

If you want to know more about Dr. Deborah and the work she does, follow her on Instagram.

If you have any other questions or topics you want to talk about, send me a message on Instagram. And if you loved this episode, please leave me a rating and a comment with your feedback. Please share this with your friends and loved ones, too!

I also have a free resource for you if you're struggling with bladder urgency: https://resilient-rx.com/bladderdiary/

I’ll see you in two weeks!