Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological problem that affects millions of women of childbearing age in the United States. It causes ongoing pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Team of gynecologists at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates specializes in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. The practice has locations in Marietta and Powder Springs, Georgia. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis means you have tissue similar to the tissue that lines your uterus growing outside the uterus. These benign growths may be found on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or on the outside wall of your uterus. Endometrial growths may also be found in the vagina, cervix, or rectum.

During your menstrual cycle, your uterus grows an endometrial lining in anticipation of pregnancy. When you don’t get pregnant, your body sheds the lining during menstruation.

The endometrial growths found outside the uterus act like your endometrial tissue, growing and swelling during your menstrual cycle. However, when your body sheds the abnormal growths, they have nowhere to go. 

This may lead to inflammation and scarring of your reproductive organs. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. The pain may only occur during menstruation, sex, or all the time.

Other symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Infertility
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating
• Nausea

You may be at greater risk of developing endometriosis if it runs in your family, you never had children, or you have a short menstrual cycle (27 days or less).

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

When you visit Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates with symptoms that sound like endometriosis, your provider conducts an in-depth clinical exam to get an accurate diagnosis. 

During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and gynecological and medical history. They perform a physical and pelvic exam and run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out other conditions that may explain your symptoms.

Though they may be able to diagnose endometriosis after ruling out other health conditions, a laparoscopy is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis,

During a laparoscopy, your provider inserts a laparoscope through a small incision in your abdomen to closely examine your reproductive organs. If they find abnormal tissue, they take a biopsy to confirm your diagnosis. 

How is endometriosis treated?

Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates takes a patient-centered approach to care. Treatment for your endometriosis depends on your symptoms, current and future pregnancy plans, and personal preferences.

Treatment may include:

• Hormonal birth control to reduce endometrial tissue growth
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to ease discomfort
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to stop tissue growth
• Minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial growths

Your provider spends time talking to you about your diagnosis and treatment options so you can make an informed decision on how best to proceed. 

To schedule a consultation at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, call the office or book online today.