Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells begin to grow outside the uterus. These cells are similar to those forming inside the uterus. The most common location for these cells is on organs of the pelvis, though they can grow elsewhere as well. The majority of women with this condition do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms are experienced they may include various kinds of pelvic pain and infertility.

Pelvic pain during ovulation or menstruation may be a symptom of endometriosis but does not necessarily mean the condition is present. The condition can be diagnosed according to the symptoms of the woman or during a physical examination. A type of surgery called a laparoscopy is usually required for a definite diagnosis.

The Stages of Endometriosis

Endometrial tissue is very similar to the tissues lining the uterus. When a woman menstruates, she sheds this tissue. When an area of endometrial tissue appears in an ectopic location. it is called an endometrial implant. These are most often located on the pelvic lining, the bowels, Fallopian tubes, and the surface of the uterus. The less common locations include the bladder, cervix and uterus. In rare cases, it is possible for an occurrence outside the pelvis.

There have been cases reported in the lungs, liver, and thighs. Although it is possible for endometrial implants to become serious, in most cases they are non-cancerous or benign. If a woman suspects she may have this condition she should consult with her physician as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. The majority of endometriosis cases are classified as mild or minimal. This means the scarring is mild and the implants are superficial. Severe and moderate cases often result in severe scarring.

Contact Us to Get More Information

If you believe it is possible you have endometriosis, we encourage you to get in touch with us and book an appointment with Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine! At our convenient location in Fort Worth, TX, our friendly staff of knowledgeable professionals will be more than happy to give you a full examination, address any questions or concerns you may have, and explain your options in full. Contact us today to set up a consultation!

Endometriosis is a condition of the uterus in which the uterine lining, or endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. The disorder is usually quite painful. It can encompass several pelvic organs, including the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the tissues that line the pelvis. About 5 million Americans suffer from this disorder. Below are some of the symptoms of endometriosis as well as how it can be treated at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine.

About Endometriosis

When the tissue of the endometrial lining is displaced outside of the uterus, it still acts as it normally would. With each menstrual cycle, the material thickens, breaks down and causes bleeding. However, the blood from this displaced tissue becomes trapped because it doesn’t have a way to escape the body. Over time, the tissues of the surrounding areas start to become irritated. They can then develop into scar tissue and adhesions.

These abnormal fibrous tissues become bands that are stuck together. Some have described them as causing a glue-like effect that leads organs and pelvic tissues to stick together. When the ovaries are affected, cysts can develop. These are called endometriomas.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Pain while menstruating is the main symptom of this disorder. This pain far exceeds that of normal period pain. It also tends to get worse as time goes on. It may creep in before menstruation starts and continue a few days following. You might even experience discomfort in your lower back and abdominal region. Painful urination or bowel movements frequently accompany menstrual issues, as well.

Excessively heavy bleeding during menstruation or bleeding between cycles can occur. Sometimes endometriosis can even lead to infertility. It’s not unusual to notice accompanying issues such as diarrhea, nausea, bloating or constipation during menstruation. Fatigue is also frequent.The extent of your pain may not be a reliable indicator as to how severe your condition is. Even if pain is mild, it’s still possible that the disorder may have progressed to advanced stages.

When to Seek Help

because you never know how severe a potential case of endometriosis has become, it’s important to see one of our medical professionals if you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms. Managing this disorder is frequently difficult. Therefore, early detection is important. Your physician will be better able to advise you if your condition is diagnosed early on. Endometriosis is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. Early treatment can help to lessen issues like the development of fibrous scar tissue and the “gluing” together of organs. Hence, treating the condition will be less difficult.

Endometriosis is a painful medical issue. Many women mistakenly believe their symptoms to simply be a normal part of menstruation. Seek medical advice if you suspect symptoms of endometriosis. It could save you a great deal of pain and frustration.

Contact our office today if you believe you may be suffering from this disorder and we’ll schedule a consultation to meet with you! We are conveniently located in Fort Worth, TX.

Endometriosis is a disease that affects somewhere between 5 percent and 10 percent of women in the United States today. It is a progressive disease that can lead to very painful symptoms, and in many cases infertility. The only way to definitively diagnose this disease is by doing a laparoscopy procedure.

We may prescribe medication that can prevent ovulation, and this can minimize pain. However, the recurrence rate after medical treatment is still high, and using medicine to alleviate the pain does not do anything to address the possibility of infertility.

Surgical treatments can be used to increase pregnancy rates, so we usually prefer this as a starting treatment if a person is battling with infertility associated with the endometriosis. Surgery has also been seen as a better option when it comes to pain relief over the long-term. It is more effective than simply using medicine.

Endometriosis is identified by the presence of endometrial tissue on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or other sites where it should not be. The symptoms it produces are extreme pain, discomfort and infertility.

When surgery is performed to address endometriosis, the goal is to get rid of the endometrial lesions. While endometriosis is likely to continue to be a problem as long as menstruation continues, the symptoms can be controlled or modulated with the right treatment at our office.

Endometriosis is usually diagnosed when a woman is between the ages of 25 and 29. The diagnosis is made in most cases because of infertility as opposed to a response to pain. Researchers have seen a genetic link in endometriosis. So, if other women in your family have it, your chances of having it as well are greatly increased.

A good portion of women who are diagnosed with endometriosis are asymptomatic. They are simply having a laparoscopy performed for sterilization. And a good portion of women who complain of about having pelvic pain are later found to have endometriosis.

Doctors will almost always consider endometriosis as an option in any woman who is of reproductive age and complains of pelvic pain. Often times, there is pain in the back that gets worse during menses. In some instances, rectal pain may be present as well.

Treatment will range from medical treatment to surgical treatment, depending on the progression of the disease. During a consultation with our specialist at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine, you can learn about your treatment options for your particular case. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Fort Worth.