Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

The tissue lining your uterus is called the endometrium. Endometriosis is a condition where this lining grows outside of your uterus. The misplaced endometrial tissue, often called implants, can appear in various areas of your reproductive tract and pelvis, such as the:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Peritoneum 
• Cul-de-sac (area behind your uterus)

Implants also can grow on the outside of your:

• Uterus
• Bladder
• Intestines
• Rectum 

Endometriosis is usually diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Many women with endometriosis have no symptoms. However, the most common symptom of the condition is long-term pelvic pain, particularly right before and during your period.

Pain during sex and very heavy periods are other possible symptoms of endometriosis. If endometrial tissue is growing on your bowel or bladder, your bowel movements or urination may be painful. 

Does endometriosis cause infertility?

Close to 40% of women with infertility have endometriosis. Endometriosis affects your fertility by triggering an inflammatory response that may harm the egg or sperm or hinder their movement through your fallopian tubes and uterus. In severe cases, the condition causes scarring that blocks your fallopian tubes. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

The only way to tell if you have endometriosis is through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure called laparoscopy. 

A laparoscope is a slim device equipped with a tiny camera. Your doctor makes a very small incision in your abdomen and inserts the laparoscope to look for signs of endometriosis. Sometimes, they take a small tissue sample during your procedure to confirm your diagnosis. 

What are my treatment options for endometriosis?

Your doctor tailors your treatment to your condition. For low-grade endometriosis, your doctor may recommend hormonal medications, including:

• Birth control pills
• Progestin-only medications
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists

Hormonal medicines help to slow the growth of the endometrial tissue. However, these medications generally don’t eliminate endometrial tissue that’s already present.

In more advanced cases, your doctor recommends ablating the endometrial tissue or having a minimally invasive hysterectomy. Depending on the location of the endometrial tissue, your hysterectomy may involve removing your uterus alone, or it may include other organs that are affected by the endometrial implants, such as the ovaries. Dr. Marinescu performs this procedure via robot-assisted surgery.

The doctors have the medical training and knowledge to remedy all grades of endometriosis, including advanced stage III and IV. For high-quality, effective care for endometriosis, call OBGYN CARE today or book a consultation online.