Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is an often-painful gynecological condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of your uterus. It can affect your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. Seeking treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and lower your risk of infertility.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

• Signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
• Pelvic pain
• Painful periods
• Worsening pain over time
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Bloating 
• Nausea
• Infertility

Discomfort associated with endometriosis can be mild or severe. Infertility might be the first sign of the condition, as up to half of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant.

What are the risk factors for endometriosis?

Certain factors increase your risk of developing endometriosis, including:

• Early onset of menstruation
• Not giving birth
• Short menstrual cycles
• Long, heavy menstrual periods
• Late onset of menopause
• High estrogen levels
• Family history of endometriosis
• A low body mass index (BMI)

Anybody can develop endometriosis regardless of your risk factors. Your symptoms may improve during pregnancy or they might disappear after menopause. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

To diagnose endometriosis, your Elite Women’s Care provider asks you about your symptoms and reviews your medical history. They complete a pelvic exam and may use ultrasound, an MRI, or laparoscopy to get a better view of the inside of your abdomen and make a final diagnosis.

How is endometriosis treated?

Your OB/GYN specialist might recommend one of the following endometriosis treatments based on the type and severity of your symptoms:

Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve the discomfort associated with endometriosis.

Hormone therapy

If you’re not trying to get pregnant, your practitioner may suggest hormone therapy to offer you endometriosis symptom relief.

Surgery

Surgical procedures can remove displaced endometrial tissue and increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Laparoscopy uses a thin viewing device to get a better look at endometrial tissue and remove it. If you aren’t planning to have children in the future, a hysterectomy may be performed to remove your uterus.

Fertility treatment

If you struggle with infertility associated with endometriosis, your doctor offers fertility treatments or can refer you to a specialist to help you become pregnant.

Don’t live with endometriosis pain or infertility when help is within reach at Elite Women’s Care. Schedule an appointment by phone or book your visit online today.