“Endometriosis: Cramps You Shouldn’t Ignore”

During menses minor cramping is normal, and even expected. Cramps are caused by the fact that each month, during a woman’s reproductive lifespan, tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) breaks down, is discarded and exits the body resulting in menstruation. Menstruation naturally causes the release of inflammatory hormones (prostaglandins), which are thought to cause these minor cramps and aches. “Normal” discomfort is known as dysmenorrhea and can usually be treated with hormonal contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs or over the counter remedies.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which the endometrial lining of the uterus also grows outside the uterus. This tissue, which can be called “implants” or “lesions”, is found most often in the pelvic area, but can also develop throughout other parts of the body, also affecting the normal function of other organs.

Who is Prone to Suffering from Endometriosis?

•          Women ages 25-35, but can also be diagnosed throughout a woman’s reproductive years through to menopause, about 80 million women worldwide, approx. 5% of females in their reproductive years.

•          Family history plays an important role; a woman with family history is 6 times more likely to also be affected by this condition.

•          Women who have not had children.

•          Women who started their period at a younger age.

•          Women who have frequent periods that last longer than 7 days.

•          Women who have a closed hymen (blocking flow of menstrual blood) have a higher risk.

It is NOT normal to suffer from extremely painful cramps! Although it’s fairly common to hear that it’s just “part of being a women”, it is in no way normal to have to stop your life because of your cramps.

Other common symptoms you may feel before, during or after your period:

•          Heavy or long periods

•          Pain during or after intercourse

•          Urinary irregularities (like blood in urine) and bowel discomfort (diarrhea or constipation)

•          Chronic fatigue

•          Infertility

•          Headaches and migraines

•          Chest pain or coughing up blood

•          Lower back or abdomen pain

How to treat Endometriosis?

“There are several treatment options.”- affirms Dr. Guillermo Lievano, DO at Elite Miami ObGyn. “There are also many factors that one has to take into consideration when defining the course of treatment, these factors include your age, the severity of symptoms and severity of the disease. Treatment may be as simple as a lifestyle change (including increasing exercise and a balanced diet), taking painkillers, hormone therapy and, in more severe cases, surgery is most certainly suggested. At Elite ObGyn we offer the latest technology in minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery, performing endometriosis resection and hysterectomy with low blood loss, low rate of complications, a short hospital or outpatient stays with minimal scarring. The minimally invasive procedure will also allow you to get back to your daily activities much faster than with traditional open surgeries.”- states Dr. Lievano.

“I underwent robotic surgery for a hysterectomy. I had all the trepidations that come along when you have major surgery — I was scared, anxious and worrying I would have to wait weeks to get back to work, even though Dr. Lievano explained to me that that would not be the case. To my surprise, the procedure was not what I expected at all. The day after my robotic surgery, I felt really good! There was a little discomfort, but I had had worse cramps during my menstrual cycle than what I was feeling. The second day, I felt even better and was discharged to go home. On the fourth day, I baked pumpkin bread for the nursing staff and brought it to the hospital. And I can tell you I felt great! That following Monday I was back to work and I haven’t looked back ever since. I would recommend this procedure to anyone who needs it! I feel FABULOUS!”- Happily says Irene Perusina after having suffered from endometriosis.

“Always listen to your body. If you feel that your periods are abnormal or that the pain that you feel is too much to handle, come and see us. We are always here for you!”- reassures Dr. Guillermo Lievano.

Dr. Guillermo Lievano, DO, is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is on the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. Dr. Lievano received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry from Barry University, Miami Shores, FL and his Medical Degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA. He accomplished a traditional Osteopathic Rotating Internship at Palmetto General Hospital (Nova Southeastern University), Hialeah, FL and completed two residencies in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, MD and at University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. Following his residency Dr. Lievano practiced at prestigious South Florida women’s healthcare centers including the All Women’s Healthcare of South Florida and Women’s Personal Physicians LLC, where he was partner.

In 2009 and 2010, Dr. Lievano received the honorable “Patients Choice Award” and, in 2010, the “Compassionate Physician Award”.

Currently, Dr. Lievano has an independent practice “Elite Obstetrics & Gynecology in Miami” and has privileges at multiple prestigious South Florida hospitals, including the world-renowned Baptist Hospital of Miami, FL. He is also member of the Baptist Hospital of Miami Robotics Steering Committee and of the Universal Robotics Program Materials and Equipment Committee.

Dr. Lievano’s areas of expertise are minimally invasive surgery, advanced laparoscopy and high-risk obstetrical care.

For more information or to make your appointment call Dr. Lievano at +1 305-270-3562 or email [email protected] or visit www.drlievanoobgyn.com

Coming soon! www.ObGynEliteMiami.com