Uterine fibroids aren’t normal, but they’re common. Usually, you don’t have to do anything about them. But if they interfere with your quality of life or prevent you from becoming pregnant, it’s time to see a specialist.
As board-certified OB/GYN specialists in Houston, we often care for women dealing with the pain and other life-disrupting symptoms of endometriosis. Fortunately, there are many effective remedies available to help you successfully manage endometriosis. We invite you to schedule an appointment with one of our caring and skilled physicians for a consultation regarding your best treatment options. We’re also happy to share a few tips that you can use to help overcome the challenges of this complex disorder.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue normally lining the uterine wall (endometrium) also grows outside your uterus. This abnormally placed tissue commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and other soft tissue structures in your pelvic region. It can but rarely spreads beyond your pelvic organs.
Stimulated by reproductive hormones in your body, this displaced endometrial tissue undergoes the same monthly changes as the tissue of your uterine lining. It thickens and then breaks down and bleeds with your menstrual cycles. With no way to exit your body, this displaced endometrial tissue becomes trapped and causes inflammation and pain and over time may result in scar tissue formation leading to infertility.
Endometriosis can affect women in their teens and throughout their childbearing years. The severity and nature of the symptoms can vary among women. Some women note severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain that occurs even between menstrual periods. Others aren’t aware they have the condition until they experience difficulty becoming pregnant. The symptoms typically begin to resolve as you undergo menopausal changes and your menstrual cycles eventually end.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Because there is no cure for endometriosis, the goal of treatment is to effectively decrease your symptoms and enhance your ability to become pregnant should that be your desire. The first step in any effective treatment plan includes an evaluation by your gynecologist.
We may recommend:
We also may recommend lifestyle changes that can effectively reduce the impact of endometriosis on your life and help improve your overall health at the same time.
These lifestyle modifications may include:
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