When period pain isn’t normal — an endometriosis story from St. Mark’s Hospital
When painful periods aren’t normal
When Ashley Conte’s periods started, “they were incredibly heavy and painful.”
As years went by, her symptoms worsened. With the urging of her husband, friends, and family, Ashley sought medical care for her debilitating periods. She saw numerous physicians — many of whom told her she had heavy periods and occasional ovarian cysts. One surgeon performed a laparoscopy. This provided her with a name for the condition which caused her pain and heavy periods: endometriosis.
See Ashley’s story on Fox 13 THE PLACE
Unfortunately, her first surgery did not provide her with the relief she sought. She was exhausted and desperate for additional information and answers.
The value of a specialist who listens
Her search connected her with Dr. Kevin Jensen, a physician at St. Mark’s Obstetrics and Gynecological Associates. Dr. Jensen is an experienced surgeon and passionate about treating patients with endometriosis.
Ashley was immediately comforted by Dr. Jensen’s compassion. She was also impressed by his comprehensive knowledge of a complicated reproductive disorder. Beyond pain and heavy bleeding, endometriosis can impact multiple organ systems and cause fertility issues. When Ashley and her husband Marcus met with Dr. Jensen, they had been seeking pregnancy for over several years.
“Dr. Jensen let me talk,” Ashley said. “He listened, he believed me, and then he said he thought we should do more investigating. He’s just on a different level than other physicians I’ve seen. He is the most knowledgeable doctor I’ve had regarding women’s reproductive health, and he truly cares about you. He’s incredible.”
How advanced surgical care can make a difference
Using high-definition cameras and robotic surgical tools, Dr. Jensen performed a second laparoscopic surgery at St. Mark’s Hospital — a minimally invasive procedure. During the surgery, Dr. Jensen realized Ashley’s disease was far more extensive than initially expected.
“Ashley has severe endometriosis; she has tons of scar tissue and inflammatory endometriosis tissue, and it’s not just outside the uterus but inside the muscle wall of the uterus, which leads to the heavy bleeding and serious pain,” Dr. Jensen said.
Despite Ashley’s complicated case, Dr. Jensen successfully excised extensive endometriosis lesions and scar tissue from her pelvis. He also carefully removed adhesions from her ovaries. Not only did this procedure lessen the severity of Ashley’s period pain and reduce her bleeding, but it also helped Ashley and her husband get pregnant.
Dr. Jensen’s care continued through Ashley’s pregnancy. He delivered Ashley’s daughter, Charlotte.
Today, Charlotte is 18 months old and full of spunk and sweetness and brings pure joy to Ashley and Marcus. “In my mind, Dr. Jensen saved my life and brought me the life of my daughter. He changed my whole world.”
Why ongoing care matters
Since pregnancy, Ashley’s periods have shortened in length and decreased in severity, but because endometriosis has no cure, she continues living with the disease. She plans to have Dr. Jensen perform a hysterectomy in the future.
Regardless of what’s ahead of her, Ashley counts on Dr. Jensen being part of her care — and he agrees. “Once I assume care of someone, I’m never going to give up. I will always take care of them,” Dr. Jensen said. “It’s part of our philosophy of kindness and compassion. Some people with endometriosis need multiple surgeries and some may never want surgery, and we have the abilities to help both people and everyone in between.”
Where to start
Dr. Kevin Jensen sees patients at the Utah Endometriosis Center at St Mark’s Hospital, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
At the Utah Endometriosis Center, our team includes OB-GYNs, surgeons, and endometriosis specialists. We coordinate with a wide variety of healthcare providers to help patients find answers. You can visit our clinic site here or call (801) 290-4644 for questions or appointments.