Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where your endometrium — the tissue that forms to line your uterus every month — develops outside of your womb.

The tissue, which is often referred to as a lesion, is most often found on other reproductive organs, such as your fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as the outside walls of your uterus, its’ supporting muscles, and connective tissue. Endometriosis may also develop on pelvic organs and tissue such as your cervix, vagina, bladder, or bowel.

In rare circumstances, the lesions may develop elsewhere in your body like on your lungs or brain.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

You may experience a variety of symptoms with endometriosis. Many of these signs could also indicate other conditions, so it’s critical to make an appointment with the experts at Pure OBGYN to get to the root cause of your symptoms.

Endometriosis causes symptoms including:

• Pain such as severe menstrual cramps, lower back, and pelvic pain, painful sex, painful bowel movements, or urination
• Abnormal bleeding like heavy periods or spotting throughout your cycle
• Digestive problems including diarrhea, constipation, or nausea
• Infertility

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Your doctor at Pure OBGYN will perform a variety of tests to identify and diagnose the condition causing your symptoms. In most cases, your doctor begins with a pelvic exam. They may also order diagnostic imaging procedures like ultrasounds and MRIs to look for abnormal growths on your pelvic organs.

In some circumstances, your doctor may suggest using laparoscopy to examine your reproductive and pelvic organs more closely. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where your doctor uses specially designed surgical tools including a laparoscope — a thin flexible tube with a camera mounted on its tip — to examine your organs without making a large incision.

How is endometriosis treated?

There’s no cure for endometriosis, but with effective care, your doctor can control your symptoms. In most cases, your doctor will prescribe hormonal birth control to regulate your hormones and stop the growth of endometriosis lesions. They may also suggest an IUD to control pain and bleeding.

In severe situations, where other treatments haven’t been effective, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove either the lesions or a full hysterectomy.

Call or schedule a consultation online today for expert diagnosis and care for endometriosis.