Beverly Hills,
California 90210
Phone: 310-278-7590 - Fax: 310-278-7599
Endometriosis has been an enigmatic disease since it's first diagnosis
in the mid-19th century. Since that time, there has been a continuous
stream of information and discoveries. But up until today, there are still
many unanswered questions. The questions which are most important are:
Why does Endometriosis strike some women and does not others?
Why do some women with extensive Endometriosis, have hardly any symptoms
while others with minimal disease have severe symptoms?
What is the best way to diagnose and treat Endometriosis?
What exactly is the mechanism for reducing fertility in women who have
Endometriosis?
The doctors at the Tyler Medical Clinic, which was founded in the early
40's in West Los Angeles and primarily geared to diagnosis and treatment
of infertility, have been puzzled by this disease for many years. A significant
portion of the patients coming to the Tyler Medical Clinic are suspected
or proven to have Endometriosis. Recent statistics indicate that infertility
problems can be traced to Endometriosis in one out of four couples. Because
of the keen interest in this particular area, the physicians at the Tyler
Medical Clinic have been involved in the research on the etiology of Endometriosis
and in numerous studies investigating the best and most effective ways
to control the disease or possibly eradicate it altogether. Because of
this interest, Endometriosis Institute of Los Angeles was formed
several years ago. The primary interest of this institution is obviously
the diagnosis, treatment and the study of Endometriosis.
Some of the historical data of Endometriosis therapy dates back to the
'50's when increasing doses of oral contraceptives had been used in hopes
of controlling the disease. The next method of treatment used Progesterone
and synthetic Progestin to achieve better results. These particular medications
had worked to some degree but the side effects were significant and forced
some of the patients to discontinue therapy because the symptoms of the
disease were easier to tolerate than the side effects of the medication.
By the early 70's, our physicians were involved in the last part of the
clinical investigations of Danazol (Danocrine) prior to FDA for approval.
At that time, we were quite impressed by the effectiveness of this medication
earmarked for the treatment of Endometriosis. The patients treated in
the early 70's are still followed now when in spontaneous menopause.
Development in infertility surgery and primarily Laparoscopy was another
strong weapon in the control or eradication of Endometriosis. The examination
of the abdominal cavity and the pelvis became simpler. Laparoscopy can
be done as an outpatient procedure on an "in and out" basis,
it does not incapacitate the patient for extended lengths of time and
thus is much more acceptable. Following introduction of Danocrine and
Laparoscopy, several other medications specifically designed for treatment
of Endometriosis entered the market and gave the physician even more choices
to deal with this difficult disease. Understanding as well as therapeutic
armamentarium has improved significantly.
Our studies of various medications indicate that if the patient with Endometriosis
was diagnosed and treated properly, approximately 1/3 of them will achieve
a complete cure, 1/3 might have a return of Endometriosis after several
years but no symptoms, and 1/3 might experience the return of Endometriosis
as well as symptoms. The usual time of relief of symptoms after proper
therapy is three to five years. Patients who experience return of the
disease and symptoms can be successfully retreated and will gain another
chance of cure or asymptomatic existence.
As noted above, our other interest is diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Several symptom free years following completion of therapy give the patient
an excellent chance to conceive. Of course, pregnancy will favorably affect
the disease and increase the chances of complete and satisfactory cure.
Our more than three decades of experience indicate that if patients are
treated properly, the chance to conceive is approximately 72%. Whereas
if the therapy is not properly administered, incomplete or there was no
therapy at all, the chances of conception are approximately 9%. That is
a compelling reason to investigate the best therapeutic options.
The physicians and other members of the Endometriosis Institute of Los
Angeles have had many years of experience in the diagnosis, medical and
surgical treatment of Endometriosis and understand the many problems of
the women who suffer from this disease.
What
is Endometriosis * Endometriosis Treatment * Endometriosis Surgeons *
Symptoms of Endometriosis * Signs Symptoms of Endometriosis
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