Endometriosis

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that affects women during their childbearing years. Its name comes from the word endometrium, which is the tissue that lines your uterus and grows during your menstrual cycle.

With endometriosis, women have endometrium-like tissue that grows outside their uterus, most often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and outer surface of the uterus. This tissue acts like the endometrium in your uterus, growing and shedding in tune with your menstrual cycle.

However, during the shedding process, the displaced endometrial-like tissue causes bleeding inside your pelvic area. This bleeding leads to inflammation, swelling, and scarring of your reproductive organs that may affect health and well-being.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, though the type of pain varies. 

Many women with endometriosis suffer from dysmenorrhea (very painful periods). Other women may have chronic pelvic pain or pain only during intercourse.

Other symptoms of endometriosis include abnormal bleeding and infertility. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Dr. Savci conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you visit Comprehensive OBGYN PA with symptoms that sound like endometriosis. The purpose of the exam is to rule out other conditions that may explain your symptoms.

Dr. Savci asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started and how they’ve changed over time. She also asks about your menstrual cycle, gynecological history, medical history, and family history.

She performs a physical and pelvic exam and may run various tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, or an ultrasound. 

Though Dr. Savci may diagnose you with endometriosis after a comprehensive history and physical, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is through a laparoscopic procedure. 

During the minimally invasive surgery, she evaluates your reproductive organs with a special surgical camera and takes a tissue sample. 

How is endometriosis treated?

Dr. Savci develops individualized treatment plans for endometriosis based on the severity of your symptoms and your current and future pregnancy plans. 

For women with no immediate plans for pregnancy, Dr. Savci recommends hormonal birth control to alleviate symptoms. 

If you’re trying to get pregnant, she may prescribe gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, which temporarily stops your menstrual cycle and endometrial tissue growth. When you stop taking the medication, your menstrual cycle resumes, and your chances of conception may improve.

Dr. Savci may also suggest surgery to remove the endometrial-like growths if your pain is severe and disruptive to your daily life. 

To schedule your consultation at Comprehensive OBGYN PA, call the office or book an appointment online today.