Approximately one in every 10 women of reproductive age suffers from endometriosis. If you suspect you’re part of this population, seek help from expert OB/GYNs Dr. Anthony and Dr. Chua of Suburban Women’s Specialists in Johns Creek, Georgia. They offer diagnosis, treatment, and management of endometriosis and its symptoms. Call the office or make an appointment with the online booking tool.
770-476-1088
Endometriosis is a condition of a woman’s reproductive organs in which tissue similar to that of the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis may be found on the:
In rare cases, endometriosis may affect the bowel, bladder, and even organs in other parts of the body, such as the lungs and skin.
One of the major symptoms of endometriosis is the pain, including intense menstrual cramps, pain in the lower back and pelvis, and pain around the time of sexual intercourse – either during or after. Other symptoms include:
Endometriosis is not cancerous, but because the growths act like uterine tissue, the tissue bleeds monthly, just like the lining of your uterus. The blood doesn’t have a way to easily exit the body, which leads to swelling and discomfort.
Endometriosis growths can block your fallopian tubes, and the resulting trapped blood can cause cysts. The growths also lead to the development of scar tissue that impedes pregnancy and causes pelvic pain. You can also experience problems in your intestines and bladder as a result of endometriosis.
If Dr. Anthony and Dr. Chua suspect endometriosis, they perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include a standard pelvic exam as well as imaging tests such as an MRI and laparoscopic surgery to look inside your pelvic area to view any endometrial tissue.
They may also offer prescription medicine containing hormones to help block the menstrual cycle and lessen pain. If your body responds to these medications, it’s likely that you have endometriosis.
Endometriosis has no cure, but can be managed successfully. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, hormonal birth control can offer successful treatment.
If you are trying to get pregnant, the doctors may prescribe a different kind of medicine. This medication affects the hormones that regulate monthly ovulation and abnormal growth of the endometrial tissue. This treatment causes temporary menopause, but it also curbs the growth of endometriosis — so when you stop taking it, your chance of getting pregnant may improve.
In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may be the only recourse for severe symptoms. Surgery can also help remove endometriosis that is interfering with your ability to get pregnant.
