Endometriosis
One in 10 women will develop endometriosis during the childbearing years. To relieve the painful symptoms of endometriosis, the gynecology team at Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology offers customized treatment plans at their office in Fort Worth, Texas. Whether you need hormone therapy or minimally invasive surgery, the team personalizes a care plan to your needs to protect your reproductive health. Call Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for endometriosis symptoms or book an appointment online today.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful disorder that develops when the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus grows outside your uterus.
This tissue continues to act like it normally does, thickening and breaking down each month during your period. However, there’s no way for the tissue to leave your body, resulting in chronic inflammation, pain, and scar tissue.
Endometrial tissue can grow over your ovaries and fallopian tubes and even attach to pelvic organs like your bladder. Abnormal tissue can also cause pelvic organs to stick to each other or surrounding tissue.
The underlying cause of endometriosis isn’t well understood; it might be due to underlying immune system dysfunction, scars from a Cesarean section, or the backflow of menstrual blood into your pelvic cavity.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
A hallmark symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which often worsens during your period. This pain can increase over time until it’s unbearable.
Other common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Infertility
- Pain with sex
- Excessive bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
You might also develop diarrhea, constipation, and nausea because of endometriosis, especially during your periods.
The Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology team offers comprehensive diagnostic testing services, including ultrasounds and laparoscopy, to confirm endometriosis.
How is endometriosis treated?
Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology offers several options for treating endometriosis and its symptoms. Your customized treatment plan might include:
Medications
In the early stages of endometriosis, your treatment may involve over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to treat cramping and pelvic pain.
Hormone therapy
The team can also prescribe hormone therapy to slow the growth of endometrial tissue and prevent it from spreading outside the uterus.
Minimally invasive surgery
If you’re dealing with infertility because of endometriosis, you might need surgery to remove the excess tissue. The team uses laparoscopic techniques to minimize trauma to your body and increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
In extreme cases, a hysterectomy to remove your uterus and other reproductive organs may be a treatment option. Since you can no longer get pregnant after a hysterectomy, you need to be sure you no longer want children before the team considers you for surgery.
If you need a diagnostic evaluation for endometriosis symptoms, call Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology or book a consultation online today.