Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding and other problems

Athens ObGyn helps women live their best lives by providing endometriosis treatment and diagnosis. This condition occurs when the endometrium (uterine lining) grows in other parts of the body. The tissue, also known as an implant, usually appears on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus. However, it can also grow on the vagina, cervix, rectum, intestines or bladder.

When women have this condition, the growths that develop outside the uterus grow and bleed just like the uterine lining does during menstruation. However, the blood from the implants can’t exit through the vagina. As a result, inflammation, swelling and pain can occur when the implants swell and bleed. Scar tissue may also form, leading to adhesions that can cause fertility problems and health issues.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

One of the primary symptoms is pain, but women may experience other issues, depending on the location and size of the implants.

• Painful menstrual cramps
• Fertility problems
• Pain, usually deep inside the vagina, during or after sex
• Pain during urination or bowel movements, especially during a woman’s period
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Gastrointestinal issues and problems with digestion

Our physicians advise patients to let them know if they are experiencing pain or other symptoms. If a patient has these problems, her doctor can perform a pelvic exam and begin the diagnostic process. Some women may need a vaginal ultrasound or MRI to look for endometriosis tissue. In other cases, our team may recommend a diagnostic laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure used for both diagnosis and treatment.

What are the types of endometriosis treatment and surgery?

Treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Some women with mild symptoms may respond to pain relievers like ibuprofen. Others may do well with hormone therapy like birth control pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. When patients’ symptoms are more severe, or when they have fertility issues, they may need surgery.

At Athens ObGyn, our highly trained and experienced surgeons diagnose and treat this condition with laparoscopic procedures. During a laparoscopy, our surgeons insert a laparoscope, a thin instrument with a camera on the end, into small incisions in the abdomen. This provides a view of the pelvic cavity, allowing the doctor to diagnose the condition. They can also attach surgical instruments to the laparoscope and remove implants, scar tissue and adhesions.

In some cases, a hysterectomy is the best treatment option. Our surgeons can perform minimally invasive hysterectomies, except in the rare cases that require traditional abdominal surgery. Minimally invasive surgery means patients have a faster recovery and fewer complications.

Our doctors have the knowledge and experience to provide relief for women with endometriosis. Contact us for more information or an appointment.