Endometriosis in Teenagers

Dr. Iris Orbuch joins The Endometriosis Summit Speakers blog series. Dr. Iris Orbuch specializes in the Treatment of Endometriosis. Dr Orbuch specializes in pelvic pain and the treatment of endometriosis.  She understands that endometriosis is a major reason women experience pain, though she strives to assess for all additional co-existing generators of pain in order to help women live pain free productive lives. Her and her husband Dr. Laurence Orbuch, have bi-coastal endometriosis specialty practices focusing on excision of endometriosis. She practices in Los Angeles, California and New York City. 

Endometriosis in Teenagers
Endometriosis is common in adolescents, especially in those who have a history of painful periods and pelvic pain. Do you know that 70% of teens with painful periods have endometriosis? Adolescents can experience cyclical or non-cyclical pain. Other symptoms include painful bowel movements, constipation, intestinal cramps, bladder pain. Nausea is often reported in teens with endometriosis. Teenagers who are already sexually active may report painful sex.
Both early, superficial endometriosis as well as advanced endometriosis are found in adolescents. Many articles have reported that 60% to 70% of teenagers who do not respond to medical treatment for painful periods have endometriosis at the time of laparoscopy.
Medical treatments do NOT cure or stop endometriosis. For some, endometriosis symptoms do improve with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and/or the birth control pill. However, it is important to remember that endometriosis progresses while the symptoms are masked.
The laparoscopic findings of endometriosis in adolescents or teenagers are different than an adult. In my practice, I understand that most lesions in teens or adolescents tend to be clear or red. Remember, when you look for a specialist,  to find one who understands the difference in the visual appearance of teens with endometriosis. Excision of Endometriosis is the proper treatment of teens with endometriosis.
I offer support and compassion in dealing with adolescents. My husband and I have two daughters and relate beautifully to teenagers and adolescents, which is why many gynecologists refer their teen patients to our practice.
Tickets for the Endometriosis Summit, March 3, 2019 are on sale www.theendometriosissummit.com

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