Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. This disorder is difficult to detect and may be mistaken for other conditions such as ovarian cysts. In some cases, endometriosis may cause severe pelvic pain that may interfere with your ability to perform your tasks effectively. If you are looking for treatments for endometriosis in Boynton Beach, MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists should be your ultimate choice.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disorder that occurs when tissue similar to your uterine lining grows outside your uterus. During your menstrual cycle, your uterine lining builds up in preparation for the possibility of conceiving. If conception fails to occur, the endometrium breaks down, causing bleeding that occurs during menstruation. When the endometrium grows outside your uterus, it builds up and breaks down as it does during menstruation. As it develops in other parts of your pelvis, such as fallopian tubes, the lining of your pelvis, and ovaries, this abnormal growth causes inflammation and irritation. This disorder causes adhesions and scar tissue in severe cases, making your tissues and organs stick together. If endometriosis is left untreated, it contributes to infertility.
How Can You Know If You Have Endometriosis?
The most prevalent symptom of endometriosis is excruciating pelvic pain, usually occurring during menstrual periods. Although cramping is a common experience during menstruation, patients with endometriosis experience intense cramping that worsens over time. Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Fertility issues.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Fatigue.
- Painful periods, cramping, and pelvic pain.
- Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse).
- Bleeding between periods or heavy periods.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Bloating or nausea.
- Pain during urination or bowel movements.
The severity of your pain may not necessarily indicate the intensity of your condition. You may have mild endometriosis with severe pain, or you may have advanced endometriosis with little or no pain at all. In some cases, endometriosis may be mistaken for other conditions that result in pelvic pain, such as ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but some factors contribute to its development. They include:
- Retrograde menstruation (menstrual fluid leaking into your pelvic cavity).
- Embryonic cell transformation.
- Immune system disorder.
- Surgical scar implantation due to surgeries like cesarean section or hysterectomy.
- Uterine abnormalities.
- Genetics.
- Transformation of peritoneal cells.
You may also be at risk of developing endometriosis if you have never given birth, are underweight, or started menstruation at a younger age.
What Are the Available Treatments for Endometriosis?
During your appointment, the skilled team at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialist performs a thorough physical exam and enquires about your symptoms to determine the severity of your condition. Afterward, they recommend a personalized strategic treatment plan to relieve pelvic pain and protect your desire to have kids. Your treatment plan may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Hormone therapy such as contraceptives.
- Total hysterectomy involves the removal of your cervix, ovaries, and uterus.
- Traditional surgery to remove your endometrial tissue.
In case you experience any of the symptoms of endometriosis, call MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists office or book your spot online for treatment.
