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Obstetrics
Standard For Patient Care
Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common condition affecting millions of women worldwide each year. If you experience frequent pelvic pain during your menstrual cycle, it may be beneficial to speak with your doctor to see if endometriosis is the cause.
Our endometriosis specialists at The Women’s Health Group are experts at diagnosis and treatment planning for endometriosis. We work closely with you to answer any questions in a thorough, easy-to-understand way and develop individualized treatment plans that address your needs and preferences.
Endometriosis Complications
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, which can make managing the condition difficult. There are several factors that can place you at greater risk of developing endometriosis, many of which are tied to your menstrual cycle and flow. For example, starting your period at an early age, having a history of short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days) or a history of heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days. Other risk factors include:
Never giving birth
Low body mass index
Reproductive tract disorders
Family history
Medical conditions
High estrogen
Delayed menopause
Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis symptoms can vary and may not accurately depict the seriousness of the condition. Some women have a mild case of endometriosis, but may experience severe pain, while others have a severe case of endometriosis with mild symptoms. In some cases of endometriosis, you may not experience any symptoms at all. Regular gynecological exams can monitor any changes, especially if you have two or more symptoms. The most common symptom women report experiencing is pelvic pain. Other symptoms include:
- Pain during your period
- Lower abdomen pain before or during your period
- Cramps for a week or two around your period
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility
- Discomfort during bowel movements
Treatment for Endometriosis
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis, but there are ways to manage the symptoms – for example, hormone therapy or hormonal contraceptives. In mild cases, women can find relief simply by using over-the-counter pain medications. If your hormonal treatments aren’t working, you may want to discuss the possibility of surgery with your doctor. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that removes the endometrial tissue to relieve more severe symptoms of endometriosis. As a last resort, your doctor may suggest a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and cervix. Your doctor may also remove the ovaries because they aid in creating estrogen, which causes the growth of endometrial tissue.
