Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects many women in Cleveland. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, it’s recommended to seek an endometriosis consultation. Our experienced gynecologists are specialists in helping women with this condition and devising effective treatment plans.
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue resembling the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, develops in areas outside the uterus. When this tissue grows in abnormal locations, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms that may disrupt your everyday life. Additionally, some individuals with endometriosis may encounter challenges with fertility.
When this tissue develops outside the uterine lining, it can result in various complications. For instance, the presence of endometriosis in the ovaries can lead to the formation of painful ovarian cysts, referred to as endometriomas. In other pelvic areas, the irritation caused by endometriosis can trigger the conversion of healthy tissue into adhesive scar tissue between organs, also causing significant discomfort.
Our Cleveland-based gynecologists can diagnose and address endometriosis by assessing the extent of its typical and interconnected symptoms. Dysmenorrhea, the medical term for painful periods, is a common symptom of endometriosis. Signs of dysmenorrhea are early-onset menstrual cramping for up to several days before your menstrual period begins. Low back and abdominal-area pain is another indicator of dysmenorrhea. Other symptoms of this condition include:
When diagnosing endometriosis, our gynecologists may use a combination of the following methods to determine whether you have this condition.
A manual examination of the pelvic area to detect scar tissue or cysts located behind your uterus.
Ultrasounds are useful for finding cysts that may otherwise go unnoticed during a standard pelvic exam.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is normally done after an ultrasound is completed and suspicion for endometriosis is high.
The most effective approach to diagnose and confirm the presence of endometriosis in your body is through a laparoscopic surgical procedure. One of the main benefits of this option is that our gynecological surgeon can often treat the endometriosis during this procedure.
Your doctor will typically prescribe medication or recommend surgery to treat your endometriosis. Below are some of the treatments:
Suffering from severe pelvic pain, particularly during your menstrual cycle, doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. There are numerous choices available for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment in Cleveland. Arrange a consultation at our Westlake, Beachwood, or Middlefield offices for a comprehensive assessment.