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Endometriosis Specialist

The Women's Specialists of Fayette -  - Obstetrician & Gynecologist

The Women's Specialists of Fayette

Obstetricians & Gynecologists located in Fayetteville, GA & Peachtree City, GA

As many as 200 million women struggle with the pain and other side effects associated with endometriosis. At The Women's Specialists of Fayette in Fayetteville, Georgia, the highly skilled OB/GYN team offers compassionate care and comprehensive diagnostics to address endometriosis pain and its complications. The practice is fully equipped with knowledgeable medical professionals and the latest technologies to deal with endometriosis, giving you both short-term and long-term results. If you have chronic, unexplained pelvic pain, schedule an evaluation today online or by calling the office.

Endometriosis Q & A

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where your endometrial tissue that lines your uterus grows outside of its normal location. The tissue continues to act like it should, thickening and breaking down during your menstrual cycle.

However, this excess tissue has nowhere to go, and as a result, you can develop scarring, reproductive complications, and a variety of symptoms.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Now a very common disease, it is estimated that over 70 million females in the world are suffering from endometriosis. One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is mild to severe pain in the pelvic area during your menstrual cycle. You may have bleeding between cycles and/or heavy bleeding during your cycle. Additionally, some patients experience lower back pain, pain during intercourse and pain when urinating or having a bowel movement. Other symptoms may include fatigue, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

The symptoms of endometriosis, such as pelvic pain, can be similar to many other medical conditions, which is why it’s important you receive an accurate diagnosis to identify a cause.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

  • Painful sex
  • Low back pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Intense cramps
  • Heavy menstrual flow
  • Nausea and vomiting

In some cases, endometriosis can result in difficulties becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy, causing infertility. Endometriosis may also increase your risk for ovarian cancer.

What are the risk factors for endometriosis?

While the cause of endometriosis isn’t well understood, you may be at increased risk for developing the condition if it runs in your family.

Other risk factors for endometriosis include:

  • Late menopause
  • Low body mass index
  • High estrogen levels
  • Short menstrual cycles
  • Early start of your menstrual cycle

In some cases, endometriosis may develop because of structural abnormalities in your uterus.

What problems can endometriosis cause?

Infertility and ovarian cancer are the two main complications that develop from endometriosis.

In order to become pregnant, an egg must be released from an ovary and travel through a fallopian tube.  It then must become fertilized by a sperm cell and will attach itself to the uterine wall in order to begin developing. Endometriosis may block the tube and keep the egg and sperm from joining. It can also damage the sperm or egg. Although the risks of infertility are there, it is still not impossible to become pregnant and many women who have endometriosis are able to successfully have children.

While the risk of developing ovarian cancer is very low, having endometriosis can raise the risk.

How can I manage endometriosis?

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, don’t worry. Your doctor will guide you and help you manage your symptoms. He/she may offer treatments such as:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers to ease menstrual pain
  • Hormone therapy, such as birth control pills or vaginal rings, to help prevent the growth of endometrial tissue
  • Laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue, which is less invasive than traditional surgery
  • Hysterectomy to remove your uterus if all other treatment options are unsuccessful
  • Heating pad to relieve pain
  • Warm baths

 

What treatments are available for endometriosis?

Treating endometriosis depends on the severity of your condition. Initially, your physician at The Women’s Specialists of Fayette may recommend medications to relieve pain and cramping. Other options for home care include taking warm baths or using a heating pad to relieve discomfort.

Hormone therapy may be beneficial in preventing the outside growth of excess endometrial tissue. Your physician can determine if hormone therapy is right for you based on your health history and your ability to tolerate hormones.

For those with severe endometriosis, laparoscopy surgery may be the best option for addressing related complications. The Women's Specialists of Fayette surgeons can remove excess tissue using only small incisions to help you recover faster.

As a last resort, you may need a hysterectomy to address your condition when all other efforts have failed.

Find relief from endometriosis pain by scheduling a consultation at The Women's Specialists of Fayette today. You can contact the office by phone or through the convenient online booking feature.

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