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The fertility doctors at the Tyler Fertility 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 affecting fertility among women.
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.
Endometriosis and Pregnancy * Endometriosis IVF Success Rates *
Endometriosis Pain Treatment * Endometriosis Symptoms for fertility * Endometriosis
Stages
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