Endometriosis
We are here to help you navigate this condition and find a treatment plan that improves your quality of life.
Endometriosis?
Endometriosis (en-do-me-tree-O-sis) is a common and often painful condition where tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus—the endometrium—grows outside of your uterus.
This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer surface of the uterus, as well as on the bowel, bladder, and other pelvic organs. Just like the uterine lining, this misplaced tissue responds to monthly hormonal changes. It builds up, breaks down, and bleeds each month. However, because this blood has no way to exit the body, it can cause inflammation, scarring (adhesions), and severe pain, especially during your period.
What are the Common Symptoms?
The experience of endometriosis varies from person to person. Some may have severe symptoms, while others have few or none. Common symptoms include:
Pelvic pain and cramping that may begin before your period and extend several days into it. The pain is often much worse than normal menstrual cramps.
Pain during or after sex is common.
You may experience persistent pain in your lower back and pelvis.
This is most likely to occur during your menstrual period.
This can include heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia).
Endometriosis is sometimes first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
You may also experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing endometriosis can be a multi-step process:
Your doctor will feel for any abnormalities, such as cysts or scars.
A transvaginal ultrasound is often used to get clear images of your reproductive organs, rule out other pathology and can help identify cysts associated with endometriosis (endometriomas) – though not everyone who has endometriosis will develop endometriomas.
The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is with a minor surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. A surgeon makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a thin, lighted instrument (a laparoscope) to look for and sometimes remove the misplaced tissue.
When to Call the Clinic
Please call us if you experience:
- Your period pain is severe and prevents you from doing your daily activities.
- Over-the-counter pain medications are not providing relief.
- You are experiencing pain with intercourse or bowel movements.
- You are having trouble getting pregnant.
Treatment Options?
Treatment for endometriosis depends on your symptoms, the severity of your condition, and your family planning goals. The goal is to manage pain and, if desired, improve fertility.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen sodium (Aleve®) can help ease painful menstrual cramps.
Hormonal Therapy: These treatments can reduce or eliminate the pain of endometriosis.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings help control the hormones that cause the buildup of endometrial tissue. With these, the goal is to decrease discomfort and help prevent new endometriosis growth.
- Progestin-only therapy: A progestin-only IUD (like Mirena®), contraceptive implant (Nexplanon®), or pill can lighten periods or stop them altogether and help decrease menstrual cramp pain.
- GnRH Agonists (Orilissa): These medications put your body into a temporary, reversible menopause to stop the growth of endometrial implants.This is the only medication treatment that has proven to decrease already existing endometriosis and prevent growth of new endometriosis.
Laparoscopic Surgery: The goal is to remove as much of the endometrial tissue as possible while preserving your uterus and ovaries. This can significantly reduce pain and may improve fertility.
Hysterectomy: In severe cases where other treatments have not worked and childbearing is complete, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) with or without removal of the ovaries may be considered.
Managing a chronic condition like endometriosis involves more than just medical treatment. Many people find relief by incorporating lifestyle strategies:
- Warm baths and heating pads can help relax pelvic muscles and reduce cramping.
- Regular physical exercise may help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
- Joining a support group can provide emotional support and connection with others who understand what you are going through.