Endometriosis is a painful condition that can lead to infertility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 190 million or 10% of women and girls of reproductive age around the world experience endometriosis.
While there’s no official “cure” for endometriosis, several treatment options are available to help manage your symptoms. Our gynecologists and OB/GYN team at Memorial Women’s Specialists in Houston, Texas, offers a range of comprehensive treatment options for endometriosis and reproductive health services.
What is endometriosis?
When you have endometriosis, uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus. During a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release estrogen and progesterone hormones, and the uterine lining becomes thicker so a fertilized egg can implant during pregnancy. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, the body sheds the lining through a monthly period.
When uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, it still becomes thick and inflamed during your period and responds to the influx of hormones as it’s supposed to. However, unlike normal uterine tissue that is shed every month, it stays in the body and causes pain and other symptoms.
One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is stronger than normal menstrual cramps and pelvic pain before and during your period.
Other symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Excessive or heavier than normal bleeding during periods
- Painful bowel movements and urination, especially during your period
- Painful intercourse
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
Some people with endometriosis may also experience infertility and difficulty getting pregnant.
If you have painful and heavy periods or pelvic pain, contact us to schedule an appointment.
How is endometriosis treated?
Although there isn’t a cure for endometriosis, several options are available to help manage and provide relief from your symptoms. Hormonal birth control is a common treatment for endometriosis. It helps to regulate or suppress the menstrual cycle to prevent uterine tissue from bleeding and staying trapped in your body.
Pain medication and hormone therapy can also provide relief for endometriosis pain and other symptoms.
While conservative treatments are the usual course for treating endometriosis, surgery is sometimes recommended in rare cases. Our team will work with you to find the best treatment option for your situation.
Although infertility is sometimes a symptom of endometriosis, that doesn’t mean that people with endometriosis can’t become pregnant. If you want to become pregnant or have been experiencing difficulty conceiving, contact us to discuss infertility treatments and options.
For more information about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available for endometriosis, contact Memorial Women’s Specialists today to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist in our office in Houston.