Endometriosis is a painful women’s health disorder that causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus. At Midwest Women Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ltd in Downers Grove, Illinois, the experienced gynecologists diagnose and treat endometriosis. The team understands the complexities of endometriosis. That’s why they use the most advanced treatments, like the da Vinci® surgery system, to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic disorder that causes the endometrium — the uterine lining — to grow outside the uterus and attach to nearby organs. Painful and complex, endometriosis can interfere with your menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall quality of life.

While endometriosis commonly affects the ovaries and fallopian tubes, it can reach beyond your reproductive organs. Advanced cases can lead to endometrial tissue attaching to the bowels and bladder.

What makes endometriosis such a complicated condition is how often it goes undiagnosed. Working with an experienced gynecological specialist, like the team at Midwest Women OB/GYN Ltd, ensures you receive a proper diagnosis when your condition is still treatable.

What are the signs of endometriosis?

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary and often worsen as the condition progresses. Common signs of endometriosis include:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Irregular periods
• Infertility
• Pain during urination or bowel movements
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Constipation, diarrhea, or nausea

Some women have severe endometriosis but experience little to no pain. Understanding the warning signs of endometriosis can help you seek treatment early on for this progressive condition.

What causes endometriosis?

During a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrial tissue thickens, sheds, and exits your body through menstruation. Endometriosis causes tissue that mimics the endometrial tissue to stay trapped. Instead of bleeding through menstruation, the tissue attaches to nearby organs.

While experts don’t know the exact cause of endometriosis, possible reasons it occurs include:

• Endometrial cells traveling back through the fallopian tubes during menstruation
• Immune system disorders
• Blood vessels transferring endometrial cells to other areas of the body
• Endometrial cells attaching to surgical scar incisions

Another possible theory is that embryonic cells may transform into endometrial cells due to hormonal changes.

What are the treatments for endometriosis?

The treatments the team recommends for endometriosis depends on the severity of your condition. Standard treatments for endometriosis include:

• Medication
• Minimally invasive hysterectomy
• Hormonal birth control
• Progestin therapy
• Fertility treatment for infertility 

Taking a conservative approach to endometriosis care, the team reserves surgical intervention as a last resort.

Call Midwest Women OB/GYN Ltd today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about endometriosis.