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Medical Professionals
Understanding Endometriosis: Q & A with Christopher Eswar, MD Women experiencing pelvic pain, painful periods, pain with intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility may be suffering from endometriosis. The condition, which affects about 6 to 10 percent of females, age 15 to 45, who are of reproductive age, occurs when endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus. Christopher Eswar, MD, a fellowshiptrained gynecologic surgeon with Barnabas Health Medical Group, is known for his expertise in robotic and advanced laparoscopic surgery. He treats conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain and bladder pain syndrome, and specializes in hysterectomies and the removal of uterine fibroids. Dr. Eswar is affiliated with Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch and Community Medical Center in Toms River, both RWJBarnabas Health facilities.
Q: What are common signs and
symptoms of endometriosis?
A: Dr. Eswar: Pelvic pain is the primary symptom which usually starts out with cyclical pain leading up to monthly periods. After the first couple of days of a woman’s period, the pain typically
subsides. However, the condition may lead up to chronic pain every day, not just during the menstrual cycle.
hormonal control. If these treatment methods don’t work, other procedures are recommended, which may include:
Common symptoms include: pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding during periods and infertility.
• Laparoscopy – This is the “gold” standard to diagnosis and remove endometriosis. Through this minimally invasive surgical procedure, the surgeon inserts a slender viewing instrument called a laparoscope through a small incision into the abdomen and inserts instruments to remove endometrial tissue through another incision. Recovery time following a laparoscopic procedure is quick, enabling women to resume their normal activities much sooner.
Q: What’s the main complication of endometriosis?
A: Dr. Eswar: Endometriosis can cause
issues with fertility. Some of my patients didn’t realize they had endometriosis until they had trouble conceiving. Only after testing, it was determined their infertility was due to endometriosis.
Q: How is endometriosis treated? A: Dr. Eswar: The first step is to have a
consult with a physician specializing in gynecologic conditions. The physician will conduct a detailed physical, as well as a detailed history about the sources of pain. When needed, physicians may perform an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. From here, a plan of action will be developed. Treatment includes: Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs or birth control for
• Hysterectomy – This procedure, which removes the uterus and sometimes the ovaries, is used for severe cases of endometriosis and as a last resort to relieve pain. It is only recommended post-childbearing and after other options such as hormonal therapies have not worked.
Christopher Eswar, MD
About Barnabas Health Medical Group Barnabas Health Medical Group is a multi-specialty group practice comprising highly trained and experienced world class primary and specialty care physicians. Barnabas Health Medical Group physicians provide compassionate and innovative care for people at every stage of life at easily accessible facilities conveniently located throughout New Jersey. Backed by the vast continuum of resources throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians and expertly trained supporting staff continuously strive for clinical excellence.
• Ablation/cauterization and excision – Endometriosis tissue is removed by destroying the tissue or removing it from the abdominal cavity, uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Gynecologic Surgery Office Location: 279 Third Avenue, Suite 307 Long Branch, NJ 07740 732.571.0972
barnabashealthmedicalgroup.org
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
September/October 2017