Liberty Women

Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Under normal circumstances, the tissue that lines your uterus prepares itself each month to receive a fertilized egg. When and if the egg doesn’t arrive, the tissue sheds itself out, culminating your menstrual cycle. With endometriosis, this tissue grows outside your uterus,
often draping itself over:

  • Your fallopian tubes
  • Your ovaries
  • The exterior of your uterus
  • Nearby connective tissue

The main problem is that this tissue acts as it normally would inside your uterus, thickening for a potential pregnancy, but when it comes time to shed out, it has nowhere to go. As a result, adhesions may form on your reproductive organs that cause pain and interfere with conception.

How is endometriosis treated?

Since the exact cause of endometriosis remains somewhat of a mystery, there’s no single cure for the condition. Treatment includes:

  • Oral contraceptives to regulate your hormones
  • Medications to control ovulation
  • Contraceptive implants

Our physicians can treat your endometriosis with a minimally invasive surgery to remove some of the adhesions in your reproductive system that may be interfering with your fertility.

If endometriosis is a concern and is affecting your quality of life, please call our office or book an appointment online.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The primary signs that endometriosis is present include:

  • Painful menstrual cramps
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain during urination or bowel movements
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Spotting between periods
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Infertility

The only way to properly identify the underlying cause of your symptoms is to undergo a thorough pelvic examinations, which is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, including ultrasound and laparoscopy.