Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis is a common disorder in which tissues that normally line the uterus, called endometrium, are found growing outside of the organ. It can cause significant pain and can affect fertility. There are real options to ease the pain.

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What is endometriosis?

Even when it grows outside the uterus, endometrium still acts as it normally would. It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because these displaced tissues have no way to exit your body, they can cause scar tissue, ovarian cysts, and adhesions.

Common symptoms

Chronic pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
Pain during sexual intercourse
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding between cycles
Painful bowel movements or pain while urinating

Treatment options

Endometriosis cannot be cured, but there are real options to help with symptoms and related issues. For mild pelvic pain, over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen may be enough.

If you are not planning to become pregnant, hormonal birth control or other hormonal medications can slow the growth of endometrial tissues and may prevent new adhesions. Extended cycle or continuous cycle hormonal birth control, available as a pill or an injection, can help stop bleeding and reduce pelvic pain.

For more severe cases, surgical removal of displaced endometrial tissues may be the best option for pain relief and improved fertility. Because the problem usually returns over time, hormonal medications after surgery can help delay its return.

Common questions

Yes. Endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain that is debilitating and hard to manage. Women with endometriosis have a slightly higher than average rate of ovarian cancer. Infertility is another possible complication. Up to half of all women with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving, and about 40% of women with infertility also have endometriosis. The chronic inflammation can damage sperm and eggs, hinder movement, and prevent them from coming together. Women with mild to moderate endometriosis are often advised not to delay having children, since the condition can worsen with time.

Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and history, followed by an examination and imaging like ultrasound. Laparoscopy is the only way to definitively confirm the diagnosis.

If pelvic pain is interfering with your life, work, sleep, or relationships, or if over the counter medication is not enough, please book a visit. Pain is information. We listen.

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