Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that causes the inner lining of your uterus to grow outside the organ. The tissue can spread to other organs and muscles, especially in and around your pelvis and abdomen. 

During your menstrual period, the inner lining of your uterus becomes inflamed before shedding off and exiting through your vaginal canal. All of the endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus follows this cycle of becoming inflamed and shedding too, but there’s nowhere for it to go. 

When this happens, nearby healthy tissues can also become inflamed and often scarred. For many women with endometriosis, this causes cyclical pain that’s similar to period cramps but more intense.

Does endometriosis cause symptoms?

Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person. You might experience them sometimes, all the time, or not at all. Some of the most common endometriosis symptoms are:

• Major menstrual cramps, often spreading into the abdomen or low back
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Abnormal or heavy period bleeding
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation
• Fertility problems

Interestingly, the severity and duration of your symptoms don’t necessarily indicate how severe the condition is. You might have mild symptoms or none at all with severe endometriosis or intense symptoms from mild endometriosis. 

Which treatments can I get for endometriosis?

At Turning Point Women’s Center PA, Dr. Gentry provides comprehensive evaluations for endometriosis and can provide medical or surgical treatment for the condition:

Medical treatments for endometriosis

Medical treatments for endometriosis may help you manage your symptoms without surgery. Hormone therapies like birth control pills and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are often initial treatment options, as well as mild pain medications to minimize discomfort. 

Surgical treatments for endometriosis

There are a few surgeries that involve removing endometrial tissue, including laparoscopy (which is also used for diagnostic purposes) and laparotomy. These procedures help prevent inflammation, damage, and scarring of organs and tissues in your pelvis and abdomen. 

Dr. Gentry recommends endometriosis treatment based on your overall health, fertility goals, and the severity of the condition. 

Call Turning Point Women’s Center PA or schedule an appointment online today to find out more about endometriosis treatments.