Select Page

Self-Advocacy Remains Common Among Women With Symptoms of Endometriosis

August 4, 2014 – Experts Down The Hall – Barbara McGuirk

Source: Huffington Post – July 24, 2014

Many women who have endometriosis are forced to become advocates on their own behalf when primary care physicians and specialists ignore the signs of the condition, Eric G. Heegaard, MD, said in a recent interview with the Huffington Post.

While the cause of endometriosis is unknown, one theory notes the lining of the uterus is shed through retrograde menstruation. When blood flows into the fallopian tubes and enters the pelvic cavity, endometrial cells pepper the cavity, continue to grow and cause pain.

While the cause of endometriosis is unknown, one theory notes the lining of the uterus is shed through retrograde menstruation.

Endometriosis affects more than 200 million women worldwide. A report from the Worldwide Endometriosis Research Foundation states the annual cost of lost productivity in the U.S. due to endometriosis is $140 billion. Endometriosis often goes unrecognized among medical professionals, and it takes women an average of 7 – 10 years to receive a diagnosis.

From Our Expert, Dr. Barbara McGuirk

“The real epidemic for women with endometriosis is that few medical professionals are listening.”

It is heartbreaking to realize these women are not being helped. They are not suffering in silence—they have been telling people about their symptoms. The silent epidemic is really that no one has listened to them. It is unfortunate that gynecologists are listening to the same women we’re seeing at RADfertility and telling them their symptoms are normal.

Surgery is frequently the most effective option to excise endometrial lesions and keep these women out of pain. Since endometriosis is a progressive disease, surgery may still be required, even if a patient has had surgery in the past. However, it is often unnecessary for these women to undergo more aggressive surgeries such as a laparotomy or hysterectomy to feel relief from their pain. At RADfertility, we are able to both evaluate and treat these patients with laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure.

Treating patients with chronic pain is a two-step procedure: we first anatomically restore their pelvis without removing their reproductive organs. That includes removing endometriosis, and removing adhesions caused by endometriosis that may be affecting the bowel, bladder, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Most patients who complete surgery will see their pelvic pain return within three to four regular menstrual cycles if not treated further. Therefore, our second step is to hormonally suppress our patients and prevent their menstrual cycle from resuming and causing symptoms to return.

What is interesting about this article and in others I’ve read is that few physicians suppress their endometriosis patients after surgery. Surgery is very important, but the only way to not have endometriosis recur—because there is no cure—is to continue to keep these cells inactive. At RADfertility, we have found the most effective way to do this is by using Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress the endometrial cells, and eventually giving add-back hormonal therapy to patients.

Endometriosis is a disease that affects women of all ages and socioeconomical status. Women with pelvic pain should seek treatment from an endometriosis specialist and to understand their treatment options. They should also ask how these specialists follow their patients long-term. The hope is that we will never need to perform additional surgeries on these women.

At RADfertility, we have taken a pledge to help women with endometriosis to the best of our ability. Maintaining reproductive potential is the highest priority at RADfertility, and our hope is these women will be able to move forward with their fertility wishes now and in the future.

Learn more about how the surgeons at RADfertility can help women live without chronic pain by visiting our Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Center.

More Patient Experience Resources

Patient Care Team

Meet RADfertility’s exceptional staff that goes above and beyond on many levels of patient care.

Top Fertility Doctors

Our four leading Delaware fertility doctors are board certified experts in their field who follow the golden rule of fertility care.

Leading Clinicians

Meet RADfertility's clinical team made up of compassionate and caring women who will be by your side every step of your journey to parenthood.

Read Our Blog

Inspiring community members that are making a difference to the latest news put in perspective for our patients.

Patient Stories

RADfertility's Seeds of Success program is founded on inspiring stories from men and women who found success at RADfertility.

Celebrating 25 Years

In August 1995, Dr. Barbara McGuirk founded Reproductive Associates, now RADfertility, and was soon joined by her partner, Dr. Ron Feinberg. See how we celebrated this special milestone!

Reviews

Read our latest reviews written by RADfertility patients.

Careers

If you are looking to join an enthusiastic team that has helped thousands of families grow, check out our current job listings.

Peggy Sue O.

★★★★★

"I feel so lucky to have found RADfertility. I tried two other clinics before I expanded my search and found RADfertility. I drive an hour each way to go to them but I don’t regret a thing. They are so caring and so professional. Every time I message them they respond quickly. Every time I see them they have a friendly smile and warm welcome. They explain everything so well and I never feel lost in the process as I did elsewhere. They also took the time to figure out what was wrong. Other clinics threw up their hands, said 'I don’t know' and pushed me to try IVF."

TJ P.

★★★★★

"Dr. Feinberg and the entire staff at RADfertility are absolutely amazing. The receptionists, coordinators, nurses, and lab staff are compassionate, caring, and straight forward. I’ve had a 12-year infertility journey and I’ve tried other clinics but RADfertility was the only one I felt at ease with. They answered any questions that I had and were there any time I needed them. My coordinator, Amy, was the absolute best and always had my back. Dr. Feinberg’s dedication to his patients is incredible. You are not just a number there, you are a person with individualized needs and care."

Anupama P.

★★★★★

"The RADfertility team gives you so much emotional support and positivity that it adds to your strength and keeps you focused on the end goal - a healthy and happy baby."

Samantha G.

★★★★★

"My journey with RADfertility and Dr. McGuirk started when my husband and I were trying to conceive and were having difficulty. We went to RADfertility, where we met Dr. McGuirk. I always say she changed my life and 'fixed' me. Dr. McGuirk is always learning more about endometriosis and how to help her patients. She’s brilliant and truly cares for you! I’m eternally grateful to her and everyone at RADfertility for their unwavering support, love, and care."

Annette D.

★★★★★

"Every step of our journey was tailored to us. We were treated so respectfully. Every detail was clearly explained and we felt so comfortable. Rhonda Wright was a Godsend and inspiring. I highly recommend this place! I cried when my weekly appointments were done and I 'graduated.'"

Amy W.

★★★★★

"The day I met Dr. Neithardt I knew she was the perfect doctor for me. Dr. Neithardt was so compassionate every step of the way. She held my hand, she hugged away tears, and continued to give me hope. There are not enough 'thank you's' in the world for Dr. Neithardt and the whole RADfertility team who will forever have a special place in my heart."

Shannon M.

★★★★★

"RADfertility's staff has heart and provided me with exceptional health care. I knew I was in good hands and felt like we were in this together. The doctors and nursing staff always answered all of my questions and provided thorough information about all of my options. I am so fortunate and appreciative of the care that I received at RADfertility. They go above and beyond."

Megan L.

★★★★★

"I cannot begin to explain how wonderful RADfertility is. We were frustrated with trying to start a family and it not working for us. The entire team of doctors and nurses made us feel comfortable and hopeful that we would be parents. We experienced so many ups and downs but we never felt like we were on our IVF journey alone, we had our RADfertility team every step of the way. If you're looking for a supportive team on the IVF journey, look no further. RADfertility is the absolute best."

Anonymous on FertilityIQ

★★★★★

"Dr. Schillings always kept us informed and never gave up on us. She always explained our options and risks with each procedure. She called us personally when there were any issues or sensitive subjects to cover. Dr. Schillings was the first doctor that had answers for us and wanted to help us have our miracle baby!"

Newark Office

4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Medical Arts Pavilion 2
Suite 3217
Newark, DE 19713

Wilmington Office

Silverside Medical Center
2700 Silverside Road, Suite 2A
Wilmington, DE 19810

Dover Office

Eden Hill Medical Center
200 Banning Street, Suite 240
Dover, DE 19904

 

Phone: (302) 602-8822

Fax: (302) 602-8832

©RADfertility 2021