5 Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common women’s health issue that can cause symptoms severe enough to disrupt your life.

At Urology Specialist Group, the women’s health care team offers comprehensive care for endometriosis, including in-office diagnostic testing and customized treatment services.

Understanding endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of your uterus begins growing outside of your uterus. This tissue, known as the endometrium, can cover your ovaries, your fallopian tubes, and other nearby structures.

Symptoms of endometriosis result because this tissue continues to act like it normally does – thickening and then breaking down during your monthly menstrual cycle. 

However, because there’s no way for the tissue to leave your body, you can experience pain and a variety of other symptoms that interfere with your physical and sexual health.

Hallmark symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause several symptoms that are difficult to manage without treatment. The Urology Specialist Group providers recommend scheduling a diagnostic evaluation as early as possible, when treatment may be less invasive and more successful.

Symptoms of endometriosis that need an evaluation include:

1.Persistent pelvic pain

Unexplained pelvic pain is often the first indication you may have endometriosis. Your pain may feel worse than your usual menstrual cramp pain and can continue to worsen over time.

2. Painful intercourse

The growth of excess tissue around your reproductive organs can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful.

3. Heavy bleeding

During your periods, endometriosis can cause heavier bleeding than usual. You may also experience bleeding in between your regular periods.

4. Pain during urination and bowel movements

Endometriosis can cause pain during urination and bowel movements, especially when you’re having your period.

5. Infertility

Infertility is a possible complication of endometriosis. The excess endometrial tissue growth can prevent sperm and egg from meeting for fertilization. The tissue can also cause damage to the egg or sperm.

If you have any of these symptoms, your provider at Urology Specialist Group can confirm or rule out endometriosis through a pelvic exam or an ultrasound of your reproductive structures. The team may also recommend laparoscopy to determine the extent of the excess endometrial tissue growth.

Managing your endometriosis

Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may be able to manage them with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

However, many women need medical help treating endometriosis symptoms. The team at Urology Specialist group can recommend other treatments when home care isn’t enough to improve your quality of life. These treatments may include:

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can rebalance your natural hormone levels and slow down the growth of excess endometrial tissue. You may need to start birth control pills or use other synthetic hormone pills, creams, or vaginal rings to deliver a steady stream of estrogen and/or progesterone into your blood to relieve endometriosis symptoms.

Surgery

When you can’t take hormones or they aren’t enough to relieve endometriosis symptoms, you may need surgery to remove excess endometrial tissue. Often, this procedure can be done laparoscopically through a small incision, so you can heal faster.

Women experiencing infertility issues because of endometriosis may be able to become pregnant after excess tissue is removed.

Hysterectomy

If you’re done having children and need treatment for severe pain and other symptoms of endometriosis, you may need a hysterectomy to remove your uterus and other reproductive structures to resolve endometriosis symptoms for good.

If you have symptoms of endometriosis and need a diagnostic evaluation, call the Urology Specialist Group office nearest you or request an appointment online today.