Our Services / Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where your endometrium — the tissue that develops to line your uterus each month — grows on other organs outside of your womb. The endometrium is usually found on other pelvic organs, such as your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix, although it can grow anywhere in your body. 

Endometriosis causes painful and disruptive symptoms, including:

• Abnormally heavy periods
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Severe menstrual cramping
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Painful sex
• Painful bowel movements
• Fertility problems

Endometriosis symptoms affect every woman differently so that you may experience any or none of these symptoms to varying degrees. 

What causes endometriosis?

There are many potential causes of endometriosis, including immune system disorders, cell transformation and transportation, and a condition called retrograde menstruation. Your lymphatic system may move endometrial cells through your body, or hormones like estrogen can transform cells into the endometrium. 

Alternatively, your immune system may not recognize and remove endometrial cells that grow outside of your uterus. 

Retrograde menstruation is a condition where your menstrual blood flows back through your fallopian tubes instead of out of your cervix. This misplaced blood could stick to your other pelvic organs, where they continue to thicken with each menstrual cycle. 

Your risk of developing endometriosis is higher if you started menstruating at a young age, have never had a child, or have a family history of the condition.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC diagnoses endometriosis with a comprehensive consultation, including a pelvic exam. Your provider may order an ultrasound or MRI to examine your pelvic organs more closely. In some cases, they use a minimally invasive surgical technique known as laparoscopy to examine your pelvic organs. 

How is endometriosis treated?

Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC offers a variety of treatments for endometriosis, including medication, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures. You may benefit from pain medication. Hormone therapy – including hormonal contraceptives, progestin therapy, and other drugs to regulate your estrogen and progestin levels – can also relieve your symptoms.

In some cases, your provider at Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC, may use laparoscopic surgery to remove excess endometrium from your pelvic organs to prevent scarring and adhesions and preserve your uterus and other reproductive organs. 

In severe situations, they may recommend a hysterectomy. However, this is rarely necessary.

If you’re concerned about heavy periods and have a family history of endometriosis, call Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC, or request an appointment online today.