Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines your uterus — endometrium — grows in other places, such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer area of your uterus.
During your menstrual cycle, your uterus prepares for pregnancy by growing the endometrial lining. You shed this lining during your period.
With endometriosis, the displaced tissue grows and sheds like the lining of your uterus, causing small amounts of bleeding in your pelvic area. This bleeding leads to inflammation, swelling, and scarring of the tissue where the endometrium-like growths occur.
Symptoms of endometriosis vary from woman to woman. And many of the symptoms of endometriosis are similar to other gynecological conditions.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Some women with endometriosis have no apparent symptoms. As a result, they may receive an incorrect diagnosis of something unrelated to their reproductive organs, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dr. Modad takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to women's health. When you come in with concerns about your gynecological health, she is careful and diligent, looking at all the potential causes that might explain your symptoms.
To diagnose endometriosis, Dr. Modad asks detailed questions about your symptoms and performs a physical and pelvic exam. She may also request an ultrasound test to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
If she suspects endometriosis, she may perform a diagnostic laparoscopy ― a minimally invasive surgical procedure — to view your lower abdominal area and take a sample of tissue for evaluation. This procedure is the only way to accurately diagnose endometriosis.
Currently, there’s no cure for endometriosis, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms. Dr. Modad conducts all exams and treatments. She works with you and provides treatment recommendations based on the severity of your symptoms and your current and future pregnancy plans.
Treatment may include hormonal birth control to reduce bleeding and pain. If your pain is severe and not well-controlled with medication, Dr. Modad may perform surgery to remove the endometrial growths from your lower abdominal area.
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