Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common condition in which the endometrium — the tissue that’s supposed to line your uterus — grows where it shouldn’t. Most commonly, that means it grows on the outside of your uterus. 

This condition presents a problem during your monthly menstrual cycle. When the endometrium grows inside your uterus, it thickens and breaks down during your period. It then exits your body with your blood. 

When the endometrium isn’t in the right location, it’s not able to leave your body after it breaks down. This can irritate your pelvic tissue and cause ovarian cysts. 

How do I know if I have endometriosis?

One of the characteristic signs of endometriosis is worse-than-normal pain during your period. Endometriosis can create symptoms during your period like:

• Heavy cramps
• Lower back pain
• Pain during bowel movements
• Pain during or after sex

On top of all that, it can also cause:

• Bleeding between periods
• Digestive problems (e.g., diarrhea, constipation)
• Fertility challenges

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, talk to your Women’s Health Care Center of Houston provider. They can help you find relief from your pain and protect your ability to get pregnant. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

The Women’s Health Care Center of Houston team has a variety of diagnostic tools they can use to determine if any issue exists with your endometrium. To diagnose you, they might perform:

• A pelvic exam
• An endometrial biopsy
• Ultrasound
• Hysteroscopy

Your provider lets you know which test or tests will be best for you and what you can expect during each. 

How is endometriosis treated?

Once your endometriosis is diagnosed, your Women’s Health Care Center of Houston provider partners with you to find the right treatment to bring you relief. Some women respond well to medication like hormonal birth control or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. 

If medication isn’t effective for you, your provider may recommend surgery like endometrial ablation. Their team specializes in minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci robotic surgical system. 

This method reduces the number and size of incisions needed for your procedure, helping you heal faster with less discomfort. 

For relief from your endometriosis or help getting pregnant with this condition, call the Women’s Health Care Center of Houston or schedule your appointment at either of their offices online today.