Endometriosis can cause challenges for women, as it is a relatively common, painful condition that causes severe pain and problems with fertility. At May-Grant OB/GYN, our team of physicians and nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat symptoms of endometriosis and help protect your reproductive health.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis causes the endometrium, the lining inside the uterus, to grow outside the uterus, creating a lining along the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic area. The overgrown endometrium will thicken, break down, and shed with a menstrual cycle but then become trapped, causing irritations, scars, and adhesions on the pelvic tissues to appear.
As a painful condition, endometriosis can also lead to an increased risk of endometriomas, a type of ovarian cyst that occurs after a hormonal cycle. It causes severe symptoms, including:
- Chronic Menstrual Pain: For women with endometriosis, it can cause excruciating menstrual pain that inhibits day-to-day life.
- Fertility Problems: Because of the risks posed by the endometrium lining, it can cause fertility problems and pose high-risk pregnancies.
- Painful Intercourse: The endometrium lining becoming trapped during ovulation and menstrual cycles can lead to painful intercourse.
- Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding: Spotting and heavy bleeding are also common in addition to pain from endometriosis.
- Digestive Problems: In some cases, people with endometriosis may experience painful bowel movements and intestinal pain, disrupting the digestive system.
If you’ve been living with symptoms of endometriosis, our team can help treat your symptoms and reduce the risks of developing other reproductive disorders, improve your outlook for pregnancy, and lower your risk of cancer.
Why Endometriosis Treatment is Important
Addressing endometriosis is crucial for several reasons:
- To alleviate chronic pain and discomfort
- To address fertility concerns and assist those trying to conceive
- To prevent further spread of endometrial-like tissue
- To improve overall quality of life and emotional well-being
Treatments For Endometriosis at May-Grant OB/GYN
Your treatment for endometriosis will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your pregnancy outlook, and other factors affecting your health. At May-Grant OB/GYN, our team of physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners can provide various treatments for your conditions, including:
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Some types of birth control can help alleviate endometriosis symptoms by reducing estrogen production in the reproductive system. Oral contraceptives can help provide lighter menstrual flow and reduce pain. Intrauterine devices may also help reduce pain and heavy bleeding during your cycle.
- Fertility Treatment: For women seeking to become pregnant, our team can provide resources and treatment options for improving your pregnancy outlook and refer you to a pregnancy specialist for further treatment options.
- Surgery Recommendations: In cases where conservative measures can’t alleviate pain, surgery may be recommended to either improve your chances of becoming pregnant or remove the endometriosis tissue completely.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Some lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, can help alleviate endometriosis symptoms. Our team can work one-on-one with you to develop a long-term treatment plan that protects your health from the effects of endometriosis throughout your life.
Prevention and Education
While the exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown and prevention may not be possible, our team emphasizes the importance of early detection and management. Educating patients about the signs and symptoms of endometriosis is a key part of our care approach.
Outlook
With comprehensive treatment, many women with endometriosis can achieve significant relief from symptoms and lead full, active lives. Our goal at May-Grant OB/GYN is to provide effective, individualized care to minimize the impact of endometriosis on our patients’ lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is endometriosis diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of pelvic exams, imaging tests such as ultrasounds, and sometimes laparoscopy to visually confirm the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
Q: Can endometriosis be cured?
A: While there is no cure for endometriosis, effective management strategies can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Q: Will endometriosis affect my ability to have children?
A: Endometriosis can impact fertility, but many women with the condition can still conceive, especially with the right treatment and management.
Q: What are the risks of surgery for endometriosis?
A: As with any surgery, there are risks, but minimally invasive techniques reduce these risks and promote quicker recovery. Our team will discuss all options and considerations with you in detail.
Partner with May-Grant OB/GYN for Your Endometriosis Care
If you’ve been living with endometriosis, then our specialists can help. At May-Grant OB/GYN, we can provide ways to manage your endometriosis symptoms through our in-house services, including in-office labs, ultrasounds, and screening tests to ensure you have a healthier outlook on life. As a practice that’s been operating for over 50 years, we have seven locations across the Lancaster, PA, with extended early morning, evening, and Saturday hours to serve our communities. Contact May-Grant OB/GYN today or call 717-397-8177 to schedule an appointment in person or online.
