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.
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.
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 to schedule an appointment in person or online.
