Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis describes the growth of the endometrial lining outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the lining of your uterus that provides the place for a fertilized egg to implant. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, your body sheds this lining each month during your period.

When you have endometriosis, the lining can grow on the outside of the uterus, on surrounding reproductive organs, or elsewhere, such as the anus and bladder. This endometrial tissue still goes through the normal cycle as the tissue inside your uterus, but when it begins to bleed and shed, it doesn’t have an easy exit from your body. You experience painful inflammation as a result.

Researchers aren’t sure why some women develop endometriosis.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Not everyone with endometriosis experiences symptoms. If you do, they may include the following.

• Pelvic pain that worsens during your cycle
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during urination and/or bowel movements
• Infertility
• Bloating and nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
  
  

Women with endometriosis can also experience extreme fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with the team at Women's Health of Manhattan for evaluation.

How is endometriosis treated?

While there's no cure for endometriosis, the team of women's health experts at Women's Health of Manhattan focuses on managing your symptoms. They aim to improve your quality of life and can help you get pregnant if that’s in your family plan. 

Pain medication can reduce discomfort. You may benefit from over-the-counter options and prescription therapy. Many women also benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Birth control pills or a hormonal IUD can ease heavy bleeding and cramping during your menstrual cycle, reduce pain, and ease inflammation.

In some cases, your doctor at Women's Health of Manhattan may recommend drugs that block your natural hormone production and thus halt the growth of endometrial tissue, but these can bring on artificial menopause and related symptoms.

Some women opt for minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial tissue and make it so you can get pregnant or ease symptoms. If conservative treatments and surgery aren’t successful, you may be a candidate for a hysterectomy.

The team at Women's Health of Manhattan works with you to treat and manage your endometriosis. Call the office today or schedule online to find out your options.