Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when endometrial tissue that usually lines the female uterus grows in other areas around the human pelvic region. Monthly menses result from the monthly shedding of the endometrium and the swelling and bleeding of the plugs supporting the endometrial tissue. As a result of the bleeding, some blood could get trapped, causing tissue adhesion and scarring. When these tissues stick together, the pain experienced might worsen, limiting the victim’s function over time. At Ideal Gynecology, LLC, we offer our patients high-quality care and treat women’s health-related conditions like endometriosis in McDonough.
Before receiving medical care at our facilities, we would like to assist you in understanding and spotting signs of endometriosis in yourself or your loved one. Below we have compiled several questions patients frequently ask, but we recommend contacting us for specialist diagnosis and treatment.
Table of Contents
What Causes Endometriosis?
Despite research efforts, endometriosis has no known cause, but there are several associated causes, including:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Surgical scars like a hysterectomy or C-section surgeries
- Genetics
- Retrograde menstruation. In such cases, instead of period blood flowing out from the uterus, it flows into the pelvic cavity.
Researchers also cite several risk factors such as age, with adult females between twenty-five and forty being at greater risk or if the patient experienced menstrual problems like shorter or heavy periods from puberty. The condition might be in their family history as well.
Endometriosis might disrupt several life activities, including work and sport, because of the pain patients undergo. If you feel any discomfort, including extreme pelvic pain, contact a gynecologist for a professional diagnosis.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
While diagnosing endometriosis might be tricky, significant pelvic pain is common in patients. Practitioners state that the pain may worsen during intercourse or while the patient is on their monthly period.
For a complete evaluation, specialists at Ideal Gynecology, LLC begin by asking the patients their symptoms. Consequently, they do an in-depth review of medical history, personal and family, and a thorough physical examination.
Although these procedures offer information to recognize the cause, our specialists also conduct a pelvic ultrasound scan for confirmation. Some cases, however, require a laparoscopy for a more definitive diagnosis. Our facilities are well equipped with medical devices, including ultrasounds operated by a certified technician who performs the scans while minding the patients’ safety and comfort.
Treatment Options
After identifying and confirming a patient has endometriosis, we recommend several medication methods that suit the patient’s specific condition. We administer birth control pills, progesterone IUD, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Conventional medicine only provided menopause medications and surgery as the sole methods of diagnosing and treating endometriosis. Fortunately, novel innovation allows us to provide patients with Elagolix, an efficient GnRH antagonist that suppresses endometriosis while minimizing menopausal symptoms. Note that treatment time for patients varies depending on multiple factors.
Final Thoughts
If you feel any progressive or sudden changes, such as increased pain in your pelvic region, seeing a medical expert for a check is advised to sustain your long-term quality of life. Please see the practitioners at Ideal Gynecology for novel medication options which will relieve your pain. Our McDonough offices readily accept calls and online booking for consultations and treatment plans as well.