More than 11% of American women between 15 and 44 have endometriosis, a condition that can be painful and impact your fertility. At MyDoc Women's Health Specialists, the compassionate all-female team has years of experience in managing gynecological conditions, like endometriosis, to protect your reproductive health. If you’re looking for personalized women’s health care in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, Florida, call MyDoc Women's Health Specialists, or schedule an appointment online.
Endometriosis occurs when your uterine lining, or endometrium, grows outside of your uterus.
Your endometrium lining builds up every month during your menstrual cycle as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, it breaks down and causes the bleeding associated with your menstrual cycle.
When endometrium begins growing outside of the uterus, it continues thickening and breaking down as it would normally. As it grows in other areas inside your pelvis -- like the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and lining of the pelvis -- this displaced tissue can cause irritation and inflammation.
In some cases, endometriosis can lead to scar tissue and adhesions that make organs and tissues in your pelvis to stick together. It can also lead to infertility.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is a pain in your pelvic area. Additional symptoms include:
It’s possible to have endometriosis without having any pain at all. Sometimes, a woman learns she has endometriosis when she’s having fertility problems.
The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t known, but several factors could play a role, including:
Your risk of developing endometriosis is higher if you’re underweight, have never given birth, started menstruating at a young age, or reach menopause at an older age.
At MyDoc Women’s Health Specialist, your team member works closely with you to develop an endometriosis treatment strategy personalized to your condition and desire to have children.
In addition to conservative therapies like over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your pain, they might also suggest:
Call or schedule an appointment online today for more information on endometriosis treatment at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists.