Endometriosis

If you’re one of the 6.5 million women in the United States with endometriosis, you can find help at The Howard Center. With offices throughout Georgia, our experienced gynecology team offers diagnostic testing for endometriosis and personalized treatment plans to relieve pain and improve reproductive health. Call the Howard Center office nearest you to schedule a consultation for endometriosis or request an appointment online today.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder that describes the growth of the endometrium (uterine lining) outside of your uterus. Excess tissue can grow on your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and even your pelvic organs.

This tissue continues to act like it does normally, thickening and breaking down each month during your period. However, because the tissue has nowhere to go, it becomes trapped inside your body.

As the excess tissue becomes irritated and inflamed, it can cause symptoms that affect your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptom of endometriosis is persistent pelvic pain, especially during your menstrual cycle. You might also experience symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Heavy periods
• Pain during sex
• Pain during bowel movements

For some women, endometriosis can cause infertility issues that make it difficult to conceive a child.

To determine if your pelvic pain and other symptoms relate to endometriosis or another condition, schedule a diagnostic evaluation with our team at The Howard Center.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

To diagnose endometriosis, our gynecology team at The Howard Center offers comprehensive pelvic exams to identify excess tissue growth.

If a pelvic exam doesn’t provide enough information about your condition, you will need additional diagnostic tests like an ultrasound or diagnostic laparoscopy. 

How is endometriosis treated?

Not every woman with endometriosis requires a prescription or surgical treatment. You might benefit from over-the-counter medications to reduce your pain and ease cramping during your period.

If you need treatment, hormone therapy using low-dose birth control can help slow the growth of endometrial tissue. Some women may require minimally invasive surgery to remove excess tissue to reduce symptoms and improve fertility.

When these therapies aren’t effective, a hysterectomy to remove your uterus may be necessary. This type of surgery is only an option if you’re done having children. After the removal of your uterus, you won’t be able to become pregnant. Our team has extensive experience with hysterectomies, performing over 1,800 procedures to date.

We also offer services to address infertility that results from advanced endometriosis.

If you have persistent pelvic pain or other symptoms of endometriosis, call the Howard Center office nearest you or request a consultation online today.