Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women, often causing pelvic pain, heavy periods, and difficulty getting pregnant. Despite being common, it’s frequently underdiagnosed or mistaken for other issues.

Our team provides compassionate, expert care for patients living with endometriosis, helping you find relief and regain control of your health.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These growths can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or other pelvic structures. Unlike regular endometrial tissue, this tissue has no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain over time.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can vary widely, but the most common include:

  • Pelvic pain or cramping, especially around your period
  • Pain during or after intercourse
  • Pain with bowel movements or urination (especially during menstruation)
  • Heavy or irregular periods
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating or digestive issues
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

Some people with endometriosis have severe symptoms, while others have no noticeable signs.

What Causes Endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t fully known, but several factors may contribute:

  • Retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvis)
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Hormonal influences (particularly estrogen)
  • Genetics (family history increases risk)

Endometriosis is most often diagnosed in women in their 20s to 40s but can begin as early as adolescence. It’s important to establish a baseline with your provider concerning your health, as to effectively track the progression of endometriosis.

When to See a Provider

You should schedule a visit if you:

  • Have painful periods that interfere with daily activities
  • Experience pelvic pain throughout the month
  • Have pain during sex
  • Are trying to get pregnant without success (without any other health problems that affect fertility)
  • Have been told your symptoms are “normal,” but they feel anything but

Early evaluation and treatment can reduce long-term damage and improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging because symptoms overlap with other conditions. Your provider may begin with:

  • A detailed review of your symptoms and health history—including when they started and any previous providers
  • Pelvic exam
  • Pelvic ultrasound (to check for endometriomas or ovarian cysts)
  • MRI (for more detailed imaging if needed)

The only way to confirm endometriosis definitively is through a laparoscopy: a minimally invasive procedure that allows your provider to view and sometimes remove endometrial tissue.

Treatment Options

There’s no cure for endometriosis, but many treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve fertility. Treatment is personalized based on your symptoms, age, and reproductive goals.

Medication options include:

  • Hormonal birth control (pills, patch, ring) to reduce or stop periods
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress estrogen
  • Progestin therapy (IUD, implant, or pills)
  • NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) for pain relief

Surgical options include:

  • Laparoscopic excision or ablation of endometrial implants
  • Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in severe cases when other treatments haven’t worked and childbearing is complete

Fertility-focused treatment may include:

  • Surgical removal of endometrial growths
  • Referral to a fertility specialist
  • Assisted reproductive technologies (such as IVF)

Living With Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a long-term condition, but you don’t have to live in constant discomfort. With the right diagnosis and support, many patients find significant relief and get back to living life on their own terms.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, schedule a consultation today. Together, we’ll find the care plan that works for you.