The right treatment can address endometriosis

Approximately 10% of women and girls of reproductive age deal with endometriosis. That’s about 190 million women globally. This often-painful condition can also interfere with the conception process, resulting in female infertility problems. Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs have the clinical expertise to diagnose and treat this common condition.

What is endometriosis?

In affected women, tissue that typically forms the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. When this occurs, inflammation and scar tissue develop, usually in the pelvic region. Because this tissue behaves as it would inside the uterus, the rogue tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds during each monthly cycle, but it can’t exit the body. The tissue often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and bowel.

How can women recognize this common cause of female infertility?

The most common symptom is pelvic pain. In many cases, however, the level of the pain does not reflect the severity of the disease. Some women with little pain have severe endometriosis, while those with significant pain may have a milder case. The condition can cause several symptoms.

  • Intense menstrual cramping

  • Heavy bleeding during or in between cycles

  • Pain during sex

  • Difficulty achieving pregnancy

  • Back pain during menstruation

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Persistent nausea

Does this condition affect fertility?

To conceive a baby, your ovaries release an egg that travels through the fallopian tubes, so that it can be fertilized by sperm, creating an embryo that can then implant in the uterus. If endometriosis blocks the tubes, the regular process is disrupted. Roughly 40% to 50% of women with this condition experience female infertility.

What are the treatment options?

Often, our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs will determine the course of treatment based on the patient’s overall health focus, and whether getting pregnant is a current goal. Medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can manage pain. Hormone therapy, such as birth control pills, patches or IUDs, can assist in resolving symptoms for women who aren’t trying to conceive.

For patients who want to start or expand their families, our OBGYNs will first review treatment options. Surgery to remove adhesions and scar tissue can increase the odds of success. They may also suggest infertility treatments, such as IVF, if tubal blockages are present.

Your quality of life and family-planning goals don’t have to have to suffer because of endometriosis. The Hill Country OBGYNs will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to relieve symptoms or resolve female infertility. If you would like to learn more about diagnosis and treatment, contact our office.