Endometriosis

It’s estimated that about 11% of women in the United States have endometriosis. At Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Group in Atlanta, Georgia, the medical professionals take an integrative approach and can help you get answers to all of your gynecological questions. Call the office to schedule an endometriosis consultation or book an appointment online.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when your endometrial tissue, which is the tissue that lines your uterus, grows in other areas or organs, such as the lining of your pelvis or on your ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Researchers are still investigating the causes of endometriosis, but certain factors may increase your risk, such as:

• Early onset menstruation
• Late-onset menopause
• Never giving birth
• Short menstrual cycles
• Higher estrogen levels
  

You may also be at risk of endometriosis if it runs in your family.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. The pain is chronic and often develops right before or during your period.

Other symptoms include:

• Pain during intercourse
• Heavy periods
• Discomfort while urinating or having a bowel movement

Many women with endometriosis also experience difficulty getting pregnant. In fact, many women don’t know they have endometriosis until they seek treatment for infertility.

How do I know if I have endometriosis?

Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Group can determine if you have endometriosis after an examination and review of your symptoms.

However, to confirm a diagnosis, a laparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure that uses a special camera to view your internal organs, is necessary. During your laparoscopy, a biopsy may be conducted to further evaluate your tissue.

What is the treatment for endometriosis?

Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Group takes an individual approach to the treatment of endometriosis. Your treatment depends on the severity of your endometriosis, your symptoms, and your future pregnancy plans.

Treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Hormone therapy
• Surgery
  

Surgery is usually only recommended if conservative treatments fail to improve your symptoms. Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Group may recommend conservative surgery, which is the removal of only the endometrial tissue that surrounds your organs if you plan on having children. However, this treatment doesn’t guarantee that the endometrial tissue won’t grow back.

If you’re no longer planning on having children, Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Group may suggest a minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy, which is the removal of your womb through tiny incisions made in your abdominal area.

For management of endometirosis from a caring team of women’s health experts, call Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Group, or schedule an endometriosis evaluation using the online booking tool.