Women’s Health A-Z

Endometriosis Treatment Services

Endometriosis is one of the most common conditions that affect women’s reproductive organs. Women with endometriosis often experience severe pelvic pain and infertility. However, endometriosis treatment services can help you manage the pain, increase your chances of conceiving, and reduce complications.

If you think you have endometriosis, an OB/GYN at VPFW can help you find the right endometriosis treatment. OB/GYNs are specialists who can treat endometriosis with hormonal therapy, surgery, and pain managment.

What is Endometriosis?

If you have endometriosis, tissue that is normally found inside the uterus grows outside the uterus on other pelvic organs or in other pelvic areas. In rare cases, endometriosis tissue can grow outside the pelvis. Endometriosis growths often appear in pelvic areas such as the:

Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
The outer surface of the uterus
Tissue around the uterus

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown. Still, many researchers think genetics, the immune system, and reproductive hormones are involved.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms vary widely. Some women have no issues at all, while others experience painful symptoms.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

Pelvic pain (especially during menstrual periods)
Painful abdominal cramps
Pain during or after intercourse
Painful bowel movements during your period
Pain with urination during your period
Heavy periods
Spotting or bleeding between periods
Bloating
Fatigue
Difficulty getting pregnant

Endometriosis Diagnosis

The path toward diagnosing endometriosis starts with visiting an OB/GYN. You provider will ask you questions about your medical history and perform a physical and pelvic exam.

Other ways to diagnose endometriosis include:

Ultrasound or MRI: These types of imaging can help your physician see nodules or cysts that indicate the condition.
Laparoscopic surgery: Your physician can remove and biopsy small lesions not visible with imaging. in order to diagnose.

Endometriosis Treatment Options

Treatment for endometriosis has two main goals: pain relief and preventing complications like pelvic scarring and infertility. Endometriosis treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Endometriosis treatments can include:

Hormonal birth control pills that suppress ovulation
Medications like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that cause medical menopause
Surgery to remove endometriosis growths

Endometriosis Pain Management

Endometriosis pain can range from painful menstrual cramps to constant pelvic pain. Pain can also change depending on the menstrual cycle phase.

Endometriosis pain management often involves:

Over-the-counter pain relievers (like Motrin and Aleve) and oral contraceptives
Removing endometriosis with surgery
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Counseling if pain is impacting mood

Find an Endometriosis Specialist at VPFW

Some women may need treatment for their endometriosis symptoms. Our providers will work with you to help you feel better and prevent complications of endometriosis.

To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, call us at 804-897-2100 or request an appointment online.