Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common reproductive condition that affects millions of women in America. Endometriosis causes your endometrium, also called the uterine lining, to grow outside of your uterus.

Normally, your uterine lining develops each month. If a fertilized egg doesn't attach to it in a viable pregnancy, the lining detaches and drains from your body in a menstrual period. However, if you have endometriosis, the lining develops outside of your uterus, typically in your abdomen around your ovaries and the area between your vagina and rectum.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pain is one of the defining symptoms of endometriosis. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Painful periods and pain between periods
• Painful sex
• Painful urination and bowel movements during periods
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, and nausea during periods
• Fatigue
• Infertility

While symptoms of endometriosis can be uncomfortable and even debilitating, you don't have to live with them when there are treatments available. 

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t clear. However, there are several potential contributing factors.

Retrograde menstruation is when your menstrual blood flows back into your body through the fallopian tubes and pelvic cavity. When that occurs, the blood may stick to the pelvic walls and build up over time. Surgical scarring after a hysterectomy or C-section can attract endometrial cells outside of your uterus.

Hormonal issues may also cause endometriosis. For example, excessive estrogen could lead to endometrial cells developing outside of the uterus. It is also possible that hormones or an immunologic disorder could cause normal tissue in your abdomen to change to endometrial tissue.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms associated with endometriosis, your provider at Contemporary Women's Care runs a number of diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your pain. Typically, their diagnosis begins with a pelvic exam where they feel for any abnormalities.

They also use diagnostic tools like an ultrasound to see inside your pelvic area and uterus. An ultrasound transmits sound waves through your body that bounce back off of the organs and tissues, creating an image that allows the doctor to see any abnormalities.

In some cases, a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure may be needed for your provider to get a good look at your internal organs and tissues to identify the issue.

How is endometriosis treated?

Contemporary Women's Care treats endometriosis with pain medication and hormone therapies to regulate your body’s production of the endometrium. The pain medication can help to relieve your symptoms while the hormones take effect to regulate your body.

Contemporary Women's Care providers also suggest lifestyle adjustments to improve your health and well-being. Often, changes to your diet and exercise can contribute to healthy and normal hormone production.

If you’re suffering from pelvic pain and abnormal periods, call the office or request an appointment online today. You don’t need to put up with pain anymore.