Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

The inside of your uterus is lined with a layer of cells called endometrium. These tissues create the right environment for a fertilized egg to implant, but if pregnancy doesn’t occur, the tissue expands and bleeds and is shed from your body during your period.

Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of your uterus, in or around your other reproductive organs. That abnormally situated endometrial tissue goes through the same cycle as the tissue inside your uterus. When it begins to bleed, however, there is no way for it to exit your body, and it creates painful inflammation.

Researchers are uncertain about the cause of endometriosis. One theory holds that endometrial tissue becomes displaced when menstrual blood moves backward into your fallopian tubes and enters your pelvic cavity. Endometrial cells might also become abnormally situated during a C-section or other surgery.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Not all women with endometriosis experience symptoms. When symptoms are present, the most common is moderate to severe pelvic pain that often grows worse during your period. Additional symptoms include:

• Pain during sex, urination, or bowel movements
• Heavy bleeding during or between periods
• Infertility
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Bloating or nausea

If you notice these symptoms, schedule a diagnostic exam to determine the cause.

What is the treatment for endometriosis?

If your doctor determines you have endometriosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms to improve your quality of life. Pain medication can help reduce discomfort, but there are health risks associated with long-term use of both prescription and over-the-counter pain medications.

Hormone therapy is a good treatment option for many women. The right hormone supplementation can ease or eliminate your menstrual cycle, reducing pain and inflammation. There are also drugs that block your natural hormone production, but they may bring on artificial menopause and related symptoms.

Conservative surgery can remove troublesome endometrial tissue and can often be done laparoscopically. While most women’s health specialists make every effort to find a conservative approach that yields results, hysterectomy is sometimes the only way to fully treat endometriosis.

To learn more about these and other treatment options, schedule a visit today. Online scheduling makes it easy to find a time that fits your schedule, or call to check availability.