Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women, often causing significant pelvic pain and impacting fertility. At Ogeechee OBGYN, our dedicated team understands how disruptive this condition can be to your daily life. With offices in Statesboro, Swainsboro, and Sylvania, Georgia, we provide expert diagnostic care and a range of effective treatment options tailored to your needs. If you are struggling with painful periods or chronic pelvic discomfort, call the office or book an appointment online today to find the relief you deserve.

What is endometriosis? 

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus—called the endometrium—grows outside the uterine cavity. This tissue most commonly grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining your pelvis.

During your menstrual cycle, this misplaced tissue continues to act as it would inside the uterus: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. However, because this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. This can lead to inflammation, scar tissue (adhesions), and severe pain.

What are the signs/symptoms of endometriosis? 

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. While many women experience cramping, those with endometriosis often describe pain that is far more severe than usual.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into your period.
• Pain with intercourse: Pain during or after sex is a common sign of the condition.
• Pain with bowel movements or urination: You are most likely to experience these symptoms during your menstrual period.
• Excessive bleeding: You may experience heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
• Infertility: Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in women seeking treatment for infertility.
• Other symptoms: You may also experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Does something cause endometriosis? 

Although the exact cause of endometriosis isn't certain, several factors may contribute to its development. One leading theory is "retrograde menstruation," in which menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity rather than out of the body.

Other potential causes include:

• Hormonal Transformation: Hormones like estrogen may transform peritoneal or embryonic cells into endometrial-like cells.
• Immune System Disorders: A problem with the immune system may prevent the body from recognizing and destroying endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.
• Surgical Scarring: After a surgery, such as a C-section, endometrial cells may attach to a surgical incision.

How is it treated? 

At Ogeechee OBGYN, treatment for endometriosis usually involves medication or surgery. The approach you and your provider choose will depend on the severity of your symptoms and whether you hope to become pregnant.

• Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease painful menstrual cramps.
• Hormone Therapy: Supplemental hormones, such as hormonal contraceptives, GnRH agonists, or progestin therapy, can sometimes reduce or eliminate the pain by slowing endometrial tissue growth.
• Conservative Surgery: If you have endometriosis and are trying to become pregnant, surgery to remove the endometriosis patches while preserving your uterus and ovaries may increase your chances of success.
• Hysterectomy: In severe cases where other treatments haven't worked, surgery to remove the uterus may be considered as a final option.
  

The team at Ogeechee OBGYN is committed to helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. To discuss your options, call our office or book an appointment online today.