What is endometriosis?
Inside your uterus is a lining called the endometrium. This tissue is where a fertilized egg implants after conception. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium swells and sheds from your body during your period.
When the endometrial tissue grows outside of your uterus, you have endometriosis. The tissue can develop on the outside of the uterus, on other reproductive organs, and even around the rectum.
The misplaced tissue still bleeds and sloughs off every month, but doesn’t have an easy exit and leads to inflammation and pain.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. But when it does, most women complain of pelvic pain that worsens during their periods. Some women also experience:
- Heavy bleeding during or between periods
- Pain during sexual intercourse, urination, or bowel movements
- Infertility
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Bloating or nausea
These symptoms aren’t unique to endometriosis. It’s important for you to schedule a consultation with North Springs Ob/Gyn to be evaluated and determine the cause of your particular symptoms so you get the appropriate treatment.
What is the treatment for endometriosis?
Endometriosis can’t be cured, but it can be managed so symptoms are less severe. Short-term use of pain medication can reduce immediate discomfort.
Many women do well with hormone therapy, such as birth control pills or a hormone-based intrauterine device. If you’re not looking to get pregnant, the pill can reduce the pain, inflammation, and excess bleeding associated with endometriosis.
Some women are eligible for hormonal medications that block natural hormone production and minimize endometrial growth. These drugs can bring on artificial menopause, however. Once you stop the drugs, your cycle resumes, but so does the endometrial growth.
Laparoscopic surgery is a solution that can be used to remove irregular endometrial growth. If you’re wanting to add to your family, this minimally invasive surgical intervention may be the optimal treatment option.
While the tissue can grow back, usually your fertility is restored long enough for you to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest endometriosis, call North Springs Ob/Gyn today to receive an evaluation and treatment plan.
