Endometriosis is a common condition that occurs when tissue resembling the endometrium — the tissue that lines the uterus — grows outside the uterus. Abnormal outer tissue growth often spreads to the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Endometriosis often causes pain and can make getting pregnant difficult. Scientists aren’t sure why this condition develops. Several factors, including genetics and abnormal menstrual flow, may contribute.
Endometriosis has no cure, but there are plenty of reasons for hope. Saint Francis Health System obstetrics and gynecology specialists use a variety of treatments to help patients manage pain and other symptoms so they can get back to the activities that matter most. If you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms, our women’s health specialists can determine whether you have endometriosis.
Diagnosis
Being of reproductive age is one of the biggest risk factors for endometriosis. Others include:
- Family history of endometriosis
- Having not given birth
- Menstrual cycles lasting 27 days or fewer
- Menstrual periods lasting longer than one week
Endometriosis can cause several symptoms. The most common symptom is chronic pelvic pain. You may also experience:
- Bleeding between periods
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal pain
- Low back pain
- Nausea
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination or bowel movements
- Severe menstrual cramps
To diagnose endometriosis, your physician may start by performing a pelvic exam to feel for abnormal tissue. The diagnostic process may also include:
- Imaging tests — An ultrasound or MRI can help your physician see abnormal tissue outside of the uterus.
- Laparoscopy — This procedure allows your physician to see growths. He or she may also take a tissue sample.
Treatment and Services
If you’re diagnosed with endometriosis, your physician will determine the best way to treat it based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you plan to try to have children in the future. Treatment options include:
- Hormonal birth control — This is delivered by pill, shot or intrauterine device. Hormonal birth control is most appropriate if you have mild or moderate symptoms and aren’t trying to conceive.
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications — Non-prescription pain relievers may help you manage discomfort. A type of prescription drug called a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist may control the growth of abnormal tissue.
- Surgery — Your physician can remove endometriosis growths by performing a laparoscopy, which requires a small incision in the navel. Another option is a laparotomy, which requires a large, abdominal incision. If your symptoms are severe and other treatments haven’t provided relief, you may wish to consider a hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Expert Endometriosis Care Close to Home
Don’t let endometriosis limit you any longer. If you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms, learn how Saint Francis Health System can help by calling Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688 or find an OB/GYN near you.