Endometriosis

What Is Endometriosis ?

Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of heavy, painful periods, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) and can lead to fertility issues. At The Avery Center, our team of board-certified OB/GYNs use cutting-edge technology to reduce your endometriosis symptoms and maximize your health and fertility. From high resolution ultrasound, novel hormonal treatments to robotic surgery, we have the expertise you need. With offices in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut, you get top-of-the-line care at three convenient locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

In some cases of endometriosis, you may not have side effects or symptoms. Other times, the condition causes severe pain in the lower abdomen, typically during your period or after intercourse. The pain may be isolated to your abdomen, or it may radiate to your back and legs.

Other symptoms include:

Cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

What Causes Endometriosis Pain?

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, which typically grows inside the uterus, grows outside of it. Called endometrial implants, this tissue can grow in a variety of places, including the outside of your uterus or on your ovaries. It can also form in the space between your uterus and rectum, called the pouch of Douglas. If endometrial implants grow on your fallopian tubes, they can interfere with fertility.

During your menstruation cycle, the endometrial tissue in your uterus is shed through your period. The tissue outside the uterus also prepares to shed, but because it has nowhere to go, it can’t leave the body. In some women, this tissue is naturally broken down and absorbed; in others it forms adhesions, becomes inflamed, or leads to the development of cysts, causing the pain and discomfort associated with endometriosis. Although the cause is unclear, endometriosis is most likely the result of a malfunction in the immune system.

How is Endometriosis Treated?

Although there’s no cure for endometriosis, its symptoms are treatable. For minor pain and discomfort, your OB/GYN may recommend warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers. For more severe cases, they may suggest hormone therapy. Because the pain of endometriosis occurs during your period when your hormones are fluctuating, you may be able to slow endometrial tissue growth by keeping hormones stable through the use of:

Hormonal birth control
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) medications
Progestin-only contraceptives

If medication doesn’t manage your symptoms or you’re not a candidate for hormone therapy, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgery to erase the endometrial implants. Depending on your case, they may use laparoscopic or da VinciⓇ surgery. While these surgeries can erase the tissue growth and reduce pain, they don’t cure endometriosis, and more tissue growth can occur.