ENDOMETRIOSIS

The endometrium is the tissue that normally lines your uterus and sheds during your menstrual period. Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that happens when this tissue grows outside of the uterus.

Endometriosis most often causes the endometrium to develop in the pelvic organs, such as:

• Outer surface of the uterus
• Ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Lining of your pelvic and abdominal cavity
• Within the wall of the uterus – called adenomyosis

In rare cases, endometriosis can spread beyond your pelvic organs and affect other parts of the body.

When you have endometriosis, the displaced tissue gets stimulated by your hormones and grows and bleeds with your menstrual cycle just like normal uterine lining. This causes inflammation, irritation, and scar tissue to form on nearby organs. This may lead to severe pelvic/abdominal pain, the most prominent symptom of endometriosis. Other signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during or after sex (Dyspareunia)
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Digestive problems such as diarrhea
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Bleeding or spotting in between periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)

You should schedule an appointment at Beacon Hallandale OBGYN if you experience any of these symptoms. Dr. Kandinov works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your endometriosis symptoms.

About 40% of women with infertility also have endometriosis. This may be because inflammation caused by endometriosis may block or interfere with the process of fertilization.

However, you can become pregnant if you have endometriosis. Dr. Kandinov helps many women with endometriosis successfully become pregnant and happily discusses your best options for treatment during an appointment.

To diagnose endometriosis, Dr. Kandinov thoroughly reviews your medical history and performs a pelvic exam. If he suspects you have endometriosis, he may take an ultrasound imaging test to confirm the diagnosis.

Then, he recommends the best course of treatment to relieve your particular symptoms. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, treatment may begin with hormonal birth control. If you are trying to get pregnant, Dr. Kandinov may recommend different medications or surgery to remove the growths.

Laparoscopic surgery may be necessary in severe cases of endometriosis or to improve your chances of pregnancy.

To learn more about your treatment options for endometriosis and abdominal pain, call Beacon Hallandale OBGYN or book an appointment online.