What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometrial tissue that grows outside of the uterus still sheds and causes bleeding every month. But often, the tissue doesn’t have an easy way to exit the body, causing symptoms like:
- Painful periods
- Pain in the lower belly, pelvis, or low back
- Cramps for several weeks
- Pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements
Women with endometriosis may have trouble getting pregnant. An estimated 30-40% of women with this disease have problems becoming pregnant.
An endometriosis diagnosis commonly occurs when a woman is between the ages of 25 and 35.
Who is at risk of developing endometriosis?
Endometriosis can happen to any woman of child-bearing age but is more likely to develop in women who:
- Have a first-degree relative with endometriosis
- Start their period at a young age
- Never had children
- Have frequent periods or periods that last for more than seven days
- Have an immune system dysfunction
If you have these risk factors and symptoms that suggest endometriosis, come to Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates for an evaluation and treatment so you find relief.
What are the treatment options for endometriosis?
While there is no cure for endometriosis, several treatments help you manage the condition, alleviate symptoms, and prevent your condition from getting worse.
Your doctor at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates customizes your treatment plan according to your age, family plans, overall health, and the severity of your symptoms.
Options that your treatment may include are:
- Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications
- Relaxation techniques
- Hormone therapy such as birth control pills, progesterone pills, or hormone injections
- Fertility treatments if you’re trying to get pregnant
Minimally invasive surgery is sometimes required to diagnose endometriosis and to remove the abnormal tissue. This may be the best treatment strategy if your symptoms are severe and you are trying to get pregnant in the near future.
Sometimes, surgery involves a hysterectomy, which does eliminate the problem of endometriosis but does make it so you can no longer have children.
Don’t suffer the symptoms of endometriosis. Seek help at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates by calling the nearest office today or using the online tool to make an appointment.
