Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that’s characterized by endometrium-like tissue that grows outside the uterus.

Each month the endometrial tissue lining your uterus thickens in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, your body sheds the endometrial lining through menstruation.

With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus, including on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer portion of the uterus. The endometrial tissue may also grow on other organs, including your bowel.

Like the endometrial lining in your uterus, the displaced endometrial tissue grows and sheds in sync with your menstrual cycle. However, the blood and tissue have nowhere to go, resulting in inflammation, pelvic pain, and scarring. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Initially, your pain may only occur during your period. However, over time the pain may become chronic.

In addition to pelvic pain, endometriosis may also cause:

• Heavy periods
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Increased urination
• Diarrhea
  
  

Endometriosis may also affect your ability to get pregnant and is a common cause of infertility in women. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

The experienced team at Orange Blossom Women's Group conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office looking for answers to explain your symptoms. 

During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms, discusses your medical and gynecological history, and performs a physical and pelvic exam. To confirm or rule out other causes of your symptoms, your provider may request various diagnostic tests such as:

• A Pap smear
• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• In-office ultrasound imaging
• MRI
  
  

Though noninvasive testing helps the team rule out other causes of your symptoms, the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through a minimally invasive surgery called a laparoscopy.

During the procedure, your provider makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, which transmits live-action images of your abdominal area. Your provider takes a biopsy of any abnormal tissue to confirm a diagnosis. 

How is endometriosis treated?

The team at Orange Blossom Women's Group develops an individualized treatment plan for your endometriosis based on your symptoms and your current and future pregnancy plans. 

If you’re not trying to get pregnant, your provider may recommend contraception, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), to help reduce your symptoms.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, the team may prescribe medications that temporarily stop the hormones that trigger growth of the endometrial tissue. This may improve your chances of getting pregnant after you complete the treatment. 

Minimally invasive surgery is also sometimes recommended to remove the endometrial tissue growths and help alleviate symptoms.

For expert care of your endometriosis from an experienced women’s health team, call Orange Blossom Women’s Group or use the online booking feature here on the website.