Up to 11% of American women aged between 15 and 44 have endometriosis, a condition that can cause debilitating pain and significantly affect your fertility. At MyDoc Women's Health Specialists, the caring, empathetic all-female expert medical team brings decades of experience in managing gynecological health concerns such as endometriosis in Boynton Beach & Boca Raton, FL to protect your reproductive health. To access comprehensive diagnosis and treatments for endometriosis, call the office near you or book an appointment online.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis develops once your uterine lining, also known as endometrium, grows outside your uterus. Your endometrium lining develops every month during your menstrual cycle as the body naturally prepares for a probable pregnancy. If you fail to conceive, this lining breaks down, resulting in bleeding associated with your menses.
Once the endometrium starts developing outside of your uterus, it gradually thickens and breaks down as it would usually. As this displaced tissue grows in other areas inside your pelvis, such as fallopian tubes, the lining of your pelvis, or ovaries, it can cause inflammation and irritation. In some circumstances, endometriosis can cause scar tissue and adhesions, which result in the tissues and organs in your pelvis sticking together. Above all, it also causes infertility in some women.
What Are The Common Endometriosis Symptoms?
The most prevalent symptom associated with endometriosis is pain around your pelvic area. Other symptoms include fertility problems, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, nausea or bloating, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), heavy menses or bleeding between menses, and painful periods with cramping, and pelvic pain. You should bear in mind that you can have endometriosis even if you are not experiencing any pain, some women realize they have the condition when they begin having challenges conceiving.
What Are The Causes Of Endometriosis?
The actual cause of endometriosis is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, the common risk factors for endometriosis include:
- Uterine abnormalities
- Disorders affecting your immune system
- Family history (genetics)
- Past pelvic surgeries such as cesarean section or hysterectomy
- Retrograde menstruation (menstrual fluid flowing back into your pelvic cavity)
- Cell changes triggered by the estrogen hormone
Your risk of having endometriosis is greater because you are underweight, have never conceived, began menstruating at a younger age, or reached menopause at an older age.
How To Treat Endometriosis?
At MyDoc Women's Health Specialists, your provider works hand-in-hand with you to create a personalized endometriosis treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals, such as the desire to conceive. Besides conservative therapies, for instance, over-the-counter pain relief medications to manage the pain, your specialist may recommend:
- Hormone therapy, for instance, contraceptives.
- Complete hysterectomy to remove the cervix, ovaries, or uterus.
- Convention surgery to extract the endometrial tissue, but keep your ovaries and uterus.
That said, the MyDoc Women's Health Specialists team is dedicated to managing all aspects of women's health and OB/GYN needs. Do not let debilitating pelvic pain or any other endometriosis symptom impact your life. Find out what endometriosis treatment suits you best by scheduling an appointment at one of MyDoc Women's Health Specialists centers and enjoy improved wellness and overall health.
