What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which your endometrial tissue, the tissue that lines your uterus and is shed monthly during your menstrual cycle, grows outside your uterus. It most often grows on your fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the lining of your pelvic area.
Each month, your endometrial tissue thickens and sheds, or bleeds, no matter where it’s located. The endometrial tissue located outside of your uterus gets trapped and irritates the organs, leading to pain and scarring of the tissue.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Menstrual pain is the most common complaint in women with endometriosis, and you may not associate your pain with anything other than the normal symptoms of your monthly cycle. However, if your menstrual pain seems to be getting worse, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. MacDonald for an evaluation.
Other symptoms that may indicate endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain that begins well before your period and lasts through most of it
- Lower back pain
- Painful intercourse
- Heavy bleeding
- Constipation
- Bloating
Many women with endometriosis also experience difficulty conceiving and may not get diagnosed with the gynecological condition until they seek help for infertility.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Dr. MacDonald conducts a thorough examination to determine if your pelvic pain is due to endometriosis. The examination may include:
In some cases, Dr. MacDonald may need to do a laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to view your abdominal cavity. This procedure allows him to evaluate the location and size of your endometrial tissue to help formulate the best treatment plan.
What treatments are available for endometriosis?
After your examination, Dr. MacDonald develops a personalized treatment plan to best relieve your symptoms. Treatment may include medication or surgery.
Medication options include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Hormonal contraception to gain better control over your bleeding
Dr. MacDonald also offers Lupron Depot®. This medication helps decrease the growth of the endometrial tissue to reduce pain and bleeding.
Dr. MacDonald may also suggest surgery to remove the excess endometrial tissue, which may be recommended if you’re trying to get pregnant. A hysterectomy to remove your uterus and ovaries is also sometimes recommended to reduce pain and bleeding, but only if you have no future plans for pregnancy.
To get expert gynecological care for your endometriosis, call Steven R. MacDonald, MD, or use the online booking tool.
