Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium, the lining of the inside of the uterus, grows anywhere else in the body (in the muscle of the uterus, on the lining of the abdominal cavity or bowel), thus affecting the nearby organs, such as the bladder, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or bowels.

During a typical menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for pregnancy, then breaks down and is expelled by your body during your period. When the lining grows outside of the uterus, it still thickens and breaks down and sometimes bleeds, but it can't exit your body, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and severe pain in nearby organs and tissues.

For some women, the growing and bleeding can cause severe pain or even infertility, while others experience few or no symptoms.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis has many symptoms, including:

• Pain during or after sex
• Pain with urination
• Excessive pain during your period beyond normal cramping
• Pain during bowel movements
• Heavy bleeding or spotting
• Excessive bloating, diarrhea, or constipation

You may experience one or more of these symptoms, sometimes simultaneously. Often, the pain of endometriosis can be debilitating. Endometriosis is most common in women with a family history of the disease.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Your provider discusses your symptoms and performs a thorough pelvic exam to diagnose your condition. If your symptoms suggest endometriosis, the only way to diagnose endometriosis is to see it in the locations outside the uterus, typically through a laparoscopy. 

However, laparoscopy isn't always needed, and similar results can be obtained by appropriate suppression of ovulation, using various medications, and reserving the laparoscopy for the time when you are ready to try to get pregnant.

During a laparoscopic procedure, your provider examines your pelvis to determine whether endometrial cells have grown outside the uterus and removes those areas of endometrial cells (endometriosis).

How is endometriosis treated?

Endometriosis has no cure, but the team can help you manage the symptoms. Treatments include laparoscopy, ovarian suppression, and pain relief through medication.

Medication typically includes over-the-counter or prescription painkillers to manage associated pain. Ovarian suppression hormones can reduce your ovaries' estrogen production and suppress ovulation. Without ovulation, many women feel relief from the symptoms of endometriosis.

If other treatment methods have failed to relieve your symptoms, your provider may recommend laparoscopic surgery. During a laparoscopic procedure, your doctor removes any endometrial tissue, scar tissue, or cysts contributing to your symptoms.

If you’re living in constant pain from endometriosis, the team can help you manage your condition and get your life back. Call the office or request an appointment online today.