Endometriosis | Q&A with Dr. Patzkowsky

Dr. Kristin Patzkowsky, a minimally invasive surgeon from the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics answers your common questions asked about endometriosis. Learn more at: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gyneco...
Endometriosis is a benign disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue (the tissue that lines the uterus) outside the uterine cavity where it becomes attached to reproductive or abdominal organs. The patches of endometrial tissue swell with blood during menstruation as if they were still in the uterus. Endometriosis is a common disorder, most prevalent between the ages of 25 and 40. Symptoms vary and are not strictly correlated with the severity of the disease; they may worsen with time, but tend to diminish during pregnancy and cease with menopause. Many women have no symptoms at all. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the age of the woman, and whether she wishes to have children.
Questions Answered:
1. What is endometriosis? 0:03
2. What are the symptoms of endometriosis? 0:14
3. Can endometriosis affect fertility? 1:15
4. What are the treatment options for endometriosis? 2:01
5. Can endometriosis be a recurring issue? 2:51
6. What is the difference between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for endometriosis? 3:10
7. What type of physician should I see for surgical treatment of endometriosis? 4:23

[@weebeeknowitall549]

She seems so well informed, but leaves me just breathless

[@scartarica]

She is very nervous

[@rhiannonchaffer2588]

Not that informed...notice how she doesn't address the cause of endometriosis?

[@leslieanderson7695]

@@rhiannonchaffer2588 The cause is widely unknown.

[@saireygamp62]

definition is wrong

[@lalaithan]

​@@saireygamp62 she works at one of the US's top hospitals, I think she knows what she's talking about. Though I did get crapped upon in another JH department her definition is on point.

[@Donnachain]

Symptoms of endometrosis Agonising PAIN!!!

[@tawnie9204]

Donnachain that’s what I had!

[@tawnie9204]

Now after I’ve had one ovary and tube removed because endometriosis damaged it. Currently, I’m on a medication called ORILISSA. After almost five months on this medication my cycles have completely stopped and obviously no more pain! It’s the best feeling ever.not feeling the agony of periods.

[@carissaexplainsitall8481]

So sorry, me too😫

[@PositivevibesT]

God bless us all suffering from endometriosis and we may we all conceive one day.

[@danigiles5143]

Endo is more than just trying to get pregnant, I am in pain because it is growing on my bladder and bowels and have two functioning ovaries and am child free.

[@Zinnie988]

Why does everyone assume that ALL men and women want to CONCEIVE. Endometriosis and Andenomyosis is a extremely painful condition that turns your whole world upside down. When you have this traumatic level of pain and poor health, pregnancies and children don't even exist in your mind. Endo or not, In the 21st Century, you should always ask if a woman wants to conceive. Don't assume.

[@carissaexplainsitall8481]

Yes 🙏🏼

[@PositivevibesT]

@@danigiles5143 yes endo is more than just trying to conceive, (coming from someone who has a colostomy due to it affecting my bowels) but for us that are affected by fertility issues as well, may we all conceive one day 💛

[@veroniquecastel9582]

Not everyone with endo wants to get preggo. 🙄 people with a uterus are more than incubators and baby makers.

[@leahmiller5217]

I feel like not everyone wants to treat there pain with medication rather than get to the root of the problem. I’ve been put on Birth Control Pills and depo and they did more damage to my life than anything

[@staceylincoln5936]

No NAME

[@leahmiller5217]

No name is your reply?

[@serenaohh8859]

No NAME im sorry to hear that. What would be ur best advice.?

[@user-kl8hr4sb1k]

I feel the same. Im i more pain on birth control than i am off of it.

[@kaylajoy777]

same. i was diagnosed with endometriosis (my periods were coming every single week) and before we had a diagnosis the doctor put me on birth control. the first three days were filled with dizziness, nausea, throwing up, and fatigue. i was then out in a different brand (i dont remember for the life of me the brand names so please just bear with me) and they didnt have as many side effects but still my health was never really the same and about every single day i feel nauseous and have fatigue. seriously. this all happened at age 13. no one should have to go through this

[@videoanalyzers]

60,000 hits. Its not easy putting information out there knowing it will be open to scrutiny and so many opinions. Anyone would be a little anxious. Amazing Doctor, person and solid information. Enough said..J. Lopez

[@saireygamp62]

worse is putting it out there when it is wrong

[@saireygamp62]

A number of errors however

[@AskAwayHealth]

A useful explanation of this topic - really good to highlight it for women who have very painful/heavy periods.

[@medicostudy101]

More power to us all, Endo Frendos ❤ N To those who're like she's out of breath.... we never know if the doctor is shooting this video after a hectic day/night shift! Or maybe a hectic surgery session cz Endo surg can take >4 hours!

[@davidleo5766]

My wife went to the doctor and was diagnosed with one that was 4 mm and with the use of natural herbs from Doctor Eromon on KZbin she got cured completely and not having stomach pain anymore . .. ..

[@jessicachernak8699]

My goodness this doctor seems so nervous and consistently out of breath. Regardless this video is informative. I started experiencing extreme pain over 20 years ago. I was placed on Lupron to force menopause and experienced a few good years after the treatment with minimal pain but it inevitably came back. I went on birth control pills and had a serious reaction with depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts and had to stop taking them. I went back on the Lupron and again it worked for a few years. About 6 years ago I had the injections a third time and then had a D and C outpatient surgery to remove a nasty chocolate cyst and thin out the endometrium (I believe). The doctor also placed the Mirena at that time. I had 4 wonderful years without pain and without periods. Around the 4 year mark I started getting such intense pains that I was passing out. I removed the Mirena but the pain was getting increasingly worse. Endometriosis is debilitating. I often am unable to go to work or drive a car as the pain prevents me from getting out of bed. I am often nauseous and will become faint and on the verge of passing out. It drains me of all energy. I can't even eat and if I do the food tastes strange and it normally lasts 6-7 days a month though the bleeding is light and normally only 2-3 days the pain is worst for me during that time and also when I ovulate which has a lovely name called middleshmirts or something like that. I can also get intense pains throughout the month that come in short bursts for seemingly no particular reason. I may be just sitting at my desk and the pain feels like I am being stabbed, the intense pain may last as long as 30 seconds to 3 or 4 minutes with smaller bursts of pain for a few hours and then stop. This may be a result of breaking cysts. With the ovulation pain I can almost feel the egg moving along the fallopian tubes though I know thats not factual it does feel like this. During my periods and at ovulation my stomach muscles contract and shake my whole belly and the pain feels as though large hands with sharp fingernails are grasping my ovaries and squeezing and twisting them in a pulsating way. Usually the day before my period my back tightens and I have trouble sitting upright or standing as the muscles are so tense and painful though massage does ease the tension somewhat it persists for days. I do not wish this pain on anyone. Recently I have been experiencing pain in other parts of my body which could be a result of fistulas. I am seeing my doctor again next month to have tests done to find out if the scar tissue has spread. I would not wish this on anyone, truly.

[@richild3967]

It’s mittelschmertz and also have you had all your children would you consider a hysterectomy

[@Leenaknowsbest]

Kayleena might help you

[@saireygamp62]

@@richild3967 hysterectomy does not treat endometriosis, will help uterine issues

[@cgp1907]

Hahah i can't breathe

[@doctordarcy8385]

I had stage 4, and didn't even know it. I went in for surgery to improve my infertility, and ended up having to have my fallopian tubes removed, because they were so scarred over. I will never have children now, but it is what it is.

[@karenwright3513]

Thank you for the video

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

These videos leave out two really common and deeply upsetting symptoms: lower back pain and unexplained lower belly bloating. How can these videos keep ignoring 'Endo Belly' when it's so deeply distressing to an otherwise slim and in proportion woman? :(

[@alexelenamary4244]

I couldn’t agree more. It really impacts your confidence and the way you view yourself.

[@avriljacobs4654]

Both of which I have. I am so ashamed of my stomach sometimes because that bloat just comes out of nowhere and it's so tiring having to explain my condition to people while they think I'm pregnant - how ironic. The lower back pain also causes weakness in my legs. So once that pain starts, I can't even walk. Sad fact is that no one believes me. They think I'm a drama queen and for a long time I tried to will the pain away because I thought it was in my head until more awareness was spread on the condition.

[@tanyaluchko9003]

@@avriljacobs4654 omg, I got same issue 😭my tummy can get swollen all of the sudden and if I lie down for a bit it gets better. I think I have endo 😢😢😢

[@kendrakennedy6737]

I suspect that I have endometriosis and I went to the doctor yesterday, she looked at me, said I didn’t have it and that I was too young, and sent me on my way. No exams were done, no ultrasounds, no tests.

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi Kendra, thank you for reaching out to us. We’re very sorry to hear about what you’re going through. If you would like to get a second opinion at Johns Hopkins Medicine, please call 888-872-1408. Our specially trained medical concierges can arrange consultations or treatment plans with the most appropriate specialists. Johns Hopkins USA can also provide language interpretation, financial counseling, assistance with travel arrangements and anything else to help make Johns Hopkins feel as close to home as possible.

[@gobosMommy]

i went in 10 years ago and was given an ultrasound, but in the same breathe was told it might not find anything even if i have it and just changed my birth control pills. going back to a new dr next week because the pain is so bad i cannot stand up sometimes and i've had my pill changed 7 times now i think and after a few months it just gets worse again.... my mom was my age when she found out she had it and the dr told her it was the worst case she had ever seen and was surprised my mom never came in sooner. no wonder so many women suffer, doctors dont believe us when we know something is wrong!!

[@LaLaChole8714]

Seek out another opinion by another gynecologist. Don’t stop until someone listens. This was my case a few years ago. I went to three different doctors.

[@amybrooks7934]

Trust me if you think you do you need to press on to them to do something. I waited 2 years had several minor surgeries and was turned away many times from doctors who said they 'didn't think' I had it. Now after my laparoscopy it is certain I do. Luckily no damage to my ovaries or tubes, always worrying that I may not be able to conceive.

[@shevahmorris9132]

they need to stop doing that shit...women are NOT being heard

[@carissaexplainsitall8481]

Where are the doctors who actually care about this condition ?

[@saramcintosh8330]

She seems out of breath and a lil nervous but very informative about endometriosis. Good video.

[@shevahmorris9132]

I have every single signs of it...I've been having symptoms for 6mths now..been to the DR twice and was told..."just watch" n see what happens. Cause they were assume I had an effection... even though I told them I had NO sign of yeast infection or STD.... it is so fkn sad that women are NOT being heard n mostly women of color n people with govt insurance are quickly wisk away. No matter how u articulate and know what you're explaining it is pushed aside. I plan to go back to the ER n I wont stop until I've been " heard"....I just hope its NOT too late. especially since I want to have children. :'(

[@SumptuousFud]

Maam how to prevent endometriosis miscarriages

[@charmdaley7032]

Many years ago when I when to the doctor and he told me that I had this problem it was just an exray that my doctor told me to do n then he told me that what I could do to ease the pain ,he recommend that I could take contraceptive on a back to back basis or go on early menopause or continue having kids to a avoid the pain ,so I started to take the contraceptive for 8 years on a back to back basis then I stop for 1 years and got pregnant then the pain went away but now in my 44 age the pain is back and sometime I feel like am gonna die and my menstrual period will.last for 2 to 3 weeks if I dont start back the contraceptive, now when I have my menstrual cycle I would have a bowel movement for almost 3 times for the second day of my menstrual period doctor I really need some help .why do I really believe that I have this problem with out doing a surgery is be cause the symptoms are the same plz I need some help to make the pain go away

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi, Please reach out to inquire about a new appointment by calling 855-695-4872. Please note, many of our offices are reaching out to patients to reschedule appointments as video visits; this will depend on visit type and currently, these are only available for existing patients. Please call the above number to learn more about what options may be available for your specific situation. You can see more on our patient and visitor guidelines at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/index.html#patient-visitor-alerts

[@ernelitabagot3156]

It's my 9 days after I've gone through laparascopy surgery because last month October I experienced severe pain in my upper abdomen can't walk of so much pain. I went to hospital they checked my full lower and upper abdomen through ultrasound and they found something in my pelvic the result was I had an 7.5cm ovarian cyst it's not cancerous. They scheduled a laparascopic surgery and when they removed my cyst they found out as well through laparascopic camera that I have an endometriosis of ovary. After recovery the doctor told on my follow up visit to her she need to inject medicine for me ( but I don't have idea which medicine she didn't mention) she said it's can stop my menstruation for 6 to 8 months. So now after reading the comments here I have an idea which medicine I think it's a contraceptive pill injection.. im worry I don't know if I will take the injection or refused it. Anyway we will meet I need to ask the doctor. Please any advice if I will take the said injection? I'm afraid to the side effects 😯🙁😓

[@ma.stephaniezamora1700]

Same tayo! 9cm ovarian cyst not cancerous. Last December lang ako na operahan..

[@carlyrowland1640]

Look up Wendy k laidlaw 😀

[@juliegarcia6717]

Can one have endo. Even though I been thru menopause but i still have lots of pain every month

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi Julie, thank you for reaching out to us. We’re very sorry to hear about what you’re going through. Unfortunately, because each person’s medical situation is different, we are unable to provide treatment recommendations or second opinions via this form of communication. If you would like to request an appointment at one of our hospitals, please call 888-872-1408. Our specially trained medical concierges can arrange consultations or treatment plans with the most appropriate specialists. Johns Hopkins USA can also provide language interpretation, financial counseling, assistance with travel arrangements and anything else to help make Johns Hopkins feel as close to home as possible.

[@brendakabanda2181]

I doubt. As an endometriosis sufferer, this is something you get when you are menstruating. Once, you stop it will stop too. One of the biggest causes are estrogen too. I am not a doctor but have had 5 ops to remove umbilical endometriosis and have been reading about it for 10 years.

[@MissaLVT]

Yes, it's definitely possible

[@BlindFaith777]

I was treated with depot Lupron, mirrena, and bc pills which all caused unbearable side effects. I was Rx’d Tramadol for LBP recently and wow! I feel like Tramadol has been a God send. Honestly helps with pain (not 💯) but it also, to my surprise cures my depression. I get no high, no euphoria, I just feel like me when I was 19. Is it possible to have Tramadol rx’d for continual use at a low dose by my dr?

[@brendakabanda2181]

God for you. I was given all the about treatment and the side effects were disabilitating too. Ops have always seemed to help. I have had five of them. I don't want to go back some I'm trying out holistic treatments now. The pain killers only worked for a while and then the pain would be too much to bear. Tramadol made me very dizzy.

[@saireygamp62]

that is because none of those work, even the American College of OB/GYN in their practice bulletins admits that, it takes a trained expert excision doctor to resolve this disease, when properly treated recurrence rates are under 20%, everything else is myth

[@rebeccalatham8765]

I hope you can be help to me with what I have to ask you. I was just wondering if you think that I might have it. I’ve been having pelvic pain on and off, I often feel fatigued, irritable when on my period, I have mood swings, and last month when I got my period I had severe cramps I felt week and I threw up 7 times and when I went to go take a shower I couldn’t stand up and then I decided to lie down in the bathtub and that never helped me. I also felt like I had a fever and I had hot flashes. I’ve been getting headaches also on and off too. My other symptoms are acne and hair growth. Is this endometriosis or is there something you think that I might have by reading what I posted?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi Rebecca, thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately, because each person’s medical situation is different, we are unable to provide treatment recommendations or second opinions via this form of communication. If you would like to request an appointment at one of our hospitals, please call [phone]. Our medical concierges can arrange consultations or treatment plans with the most appropriate specialists. Johns Hopkins Medicine International also provide language interpretation, assistance with travel arrangements and anything else to help make Johns Hopkins feel as close to home as possible.

[@ingunnwehn2996]

Ithink this was good information, i dont agree with the part that so easy speaks warmth about hormonemedicine, zoladex and putting women in menopause...that i mean is so old news now, an NO evidence that it works, but clear evidence what it can do worse..! I have stage 4, DIE..! It is a daily struggle that affects all aspects in my life. I have three children, the pregnancys were terrible painful without nobody could find out why my uterus was so irritated as they said. Did not get my diagnosis before i was 42 years old, i am now 47 and the two last years i even cant describe or remember, mostly in my bed, fatigue and pain like i am in labour. I know i must seek an specialist that is not from my country, i have visited one..but this is a scary step to take, and it cost money that not ordinary people have in their pockets! Its about time endometriosis getting cleared out and get the attention it needs, it not just can destroy women, but it take so much from our kids, men, family and friends..! I cant belive how this disease has destroyed my life..and with no respect from the doctors around me..ENDO WHAT?!?!..thats so tru, and has to STOP

[@abrahamaudu7266]

Ingunn Wehn ....sorry...a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is definitive cure

[@askjanaleigh]

She seems terrified. I feel bad for her.

[@imrankhawaja6290]

I have an endometriosis cyst . I don't want to go for surgery. Is this decision right or wrong ?

[@nicolecollins6605]

Imran Ali it’s your body, it’s your choice

[@SarahBright]

Do you need the surgery? Don't let fear decide for you. Do what you believe it is best for you. That being said, I was offered a laparoscopy to check the diagnosis and I still haven't done it.

[@PositivevibesT]

baby channel I am post op 1 week. I had a endometrioma cyst that got so big it was laying in my large intestine and caused me to have a bowel obstruction. So far the end result after surgery has been the best for me. If U dnt get surgery keep a eye on it. So it dnt grow out of control. God bless

[@kaleighjordan1954]

At 15 i was diagnosed with PCOS because I had excess body hair, acne, and only had 2 periods in a year since I was 13. I was in birth control since then until a year ago. I was regular, never late (even without the bc) up until about 5 months ago. They are now up to 6 days late, a LOTTT heavier, extremely extremely painful. I get sick to my stomach. Each period, it gets heavier and way more painful. But also up until recently, I thought every female hurt during/after intercourse. I thought it was normal. But I can't go to doctors any time soon because I no longer have insurance. Also my periods are lasting way longer than they normally do. My grandmother has uterine cancer and my mother has endometriosis with a cyst on her ovary. I'm extremely concerned

[@drsyedakiranumefarwabukhar2942]

Endometriosis very painful

[@saireygamp62]

and medical therapy does not treat, stop progression or prevent a recurrence, in fact disease gets worse on medical therapy and proper treatment is delayed. To see this from a university program is distressing

[@keeganlshoemate6291]

Dr what happen to me, so I can calm down its domestic violence in Pascagoula, Mississippi

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

I wonder what is causing her to be out of breath.

[@prophetessdream]

Just nerves from being in front of the camera.

[@erikac6538]

Nerves lol. I just had an appts with her on Monday and she’s fabulous! So blessed that I found her.

[@imrankhawaja6290]

My doctor,s opinion for me there is no need of surgery .

[@ernelitabagot3156]

I have colleague she has 6 small cyst she don't want to remove it using surgery because she's afraid but the doctor told her it's not cancerous so it'd fine not to remove. But she's keep taking medicine for it and during period she's suffering pain because doctor told her everytime menstruation period the cyst is swelling and after period it will go back to normal size.

[@frankiemccorkle5423]

Is this curable? This is a serious question that didn’t get answered?

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi Frankie, thanks for reaching out. You can learn more about endometriosis here: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/gynecological_health/endometriosis_85,p00573

[@hannaacampbell6892]

Hey I have endo and it can’t be cured, surgery can remove excess tissue but most times it grows back after a couple years, and you still have certain pains unfortunately

[@jazzyg6059]

No

[@monicadelgado8981]

@Frankie Mccorkie she actually did answer. She stated it could come back, stay stable, or progress.

[@saireygamp62]

Some physicians with advanced excision skills see patients who are now pain free 5-30 years post surgery. It is a speciality surgrery to get these kinds of results

[@jessikacutts3986]

My depo shot got rid of all of my symptoms!!! I’m 2 months in and haven’t had to spend a week off work or walking around like Igor to exist! I’m also not trying to have kids though...

[@bornalee990]

What is the cost of surgery

[@erikac6538]

Depends on your insurance and what type of surgery. Most insurances have copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out of pocket. So depending on what applies to your situation. You have to check your benefits. I work with insurances in a hospital. 😫

[@cortezgee4873]

Can women with endometriosis have kids..I need to know ASAP

[@georgia1986]

yes, it is not impossible. it can happen

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

Hi Cortez, thanks for reaching out. We recommend talking to your doctor about this.

[@TerresaOxentenko]

Laser helps for about 5 years. Otherwise hormone therapy not worth the risk, of taking synthetic hormones and their side effects.

[@quaziahmed1905]

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

[@sadiemakesmesmile]

its not right to make people think that a surgery will fix you. My pain came back 3 months after my laparoscopy. And all the hormonal 'solutions' have horrible side effects too. Extreme pain once a month or headaches every day.. which would you choose? Does that mean you are healed? No.

[@devondavis6060]

I couldn't finish this video, her talking is making me nervous.

[@gingersnap3024]

If you are done having children, can you just request a hysterectomy instead of medication? I hate taking pills.

[@JohnsHopkinsMedicine]

For specific questions around this, we suggest reaching out to your doctor.

[@vibes811]

Histerectomy does not stop endometriosis.

[@bzmom85]

Why is she gasping her breath?

[@lalaithan]

Probably nervous.

[@martinamartina18]

What is the treatment?nothing....surgery?i had and its back so what i will get operate till my real menopause? I have implantant to be in menopause...and after 6 months? I will be in the same shit as before....my advice would be ...if i sign a paper that i dont want kids ...pls remove my uterus and ovaries...doesnt matter if iam 36 or 40 or less ....if i dont want a kids i dont need this as well...cuz this is not a life ....u are not living life u are just surviving every month

[@carlyrowland1640]

Temporary menopause? This sounds concerning. Why don't don't spend time searching for natural dietary options rather than medicine options.

[@eilisminchin1]

its so sad to see that you left out the main word with the description of endometriosis, endometriosis is SIMILAR tissue , endometriosis will only effect fertility in 30% of women 70% of women should have no problem starting a family

[@gracieb.3054]

Are you a doctor? Cite your sources of this information. Endometriosis is know to be one of the main causes of infertility.

[@gracieb.3054]

(known)

[@eilisminchin1]

I am a volunteer for the endometriosis association of Ireland, yes it is one of the leading causes of infertility but it 70% could conceive, please visit www.endometriosis.ie for correct information thanks 👌

[@elizabethnaa3158]

eye-lish95 thanks for sharing, I'm in Germany can you help. Cus I have already had my surgery 2yrs ago. How to get pregnant is my worry now thx

[@angelitaazul2001]

I hope this is true. We still want more kids but knowing I might have endo is making me want to start trying sooner than later.

[@kkcuty46]

Why is there 10x more information on endometriosis than fibroids which are significantly more common.

[@tanyaraymond3009]

Not to minimalize the effects of fibroids ( because it can really hinder the quality of life). But what this doctor is not really emphasizing how much endometriosis can compromise surrounding organs (including the lungs). In this case, awareness is key; 1 out of 10 women suffer from endometriosis (176 million women worldwide).

[@jenniferbrantley2419]

Endometriosis is actually more common. And its painful compared to fibroids