Endometriosis

Some women diagnosed with endometriosis never experience symptoms, while others suffer from extreme pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. At her practice, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Dee L. Hubbard, MD, in Catonsville, Maryland, is an expert in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. She offers compassionate, effective care that reduces symptoms and significantly improves quality of life. Call the office or use the online booking feature to schedule your consultation today.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that develops when tissues lining your uterus begin to grow outside your uterine cavity. The patches of endometriosis (plugs) most often grow on the outer wall of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Although it’s not as common, endometriosis plugs can also grow on the connective tissues in your abdomen, bladder, and bowels.

While there are several theories about how uterine tissue ends up outside the uterus, many experts believe that a likely cause is menstrual blood flowing backward through your fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity.

Other possible causes include hormonal imbalances, surgical scars, immune system problems, and genetics.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Your uterine lining, called the endometrium, changes every month in response to hormonal fluctuations. It thickens with a rich supply of blood so it’s prepared to nurture an embryo, and it sheds in the form of your period if the egg isn’t fertilized.

The endometriosis plugs outside your uterus continue to respond to hormones. The tissue thickens each month, breaks down, and bleeds. The blood, however, is trapped in the abdominal cavity, where it causes inflammation, scarring, and pain.

The complete list of endometriosis symptoms includes:

• Heavy menstrual periods
• Longer than normal periods
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful periods
• Abdominal pain a week before your period
• Pain during urination
• Pain during bowel movements

Endometriosis is also one of the top three causes of infertility.

What medications help with endometriosis?

Medications that treat endometriosis include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Birth control pills
• Progestin-only medications
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists

Hormonal medications slow endometrial tissue growth and may prevent new adhesions.

How does endometrial ablation relieve endometriosis?

Endometrial ablation is a safe, effective treatment for women who have completed childbearing. This quick, minimally invasive procedure eliminates your endometrium. Techniques include heated fluids, freezing, and radiofrequency energy, which all work by destroying the tissues that make up the lining.

After endometrial ablation, you stop having menstrual periods. Or, if you do have periods, they’re significantly lighter than before the ablation. Because the procedure stops bleeding, eliminates chemicals responsible for pain, and affects hormone interactions, it effectively relieves many of the symptoms associated with endometriosis.

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and you’re searching for ways to ease your symptoms, call Dr. Dee L. Hubbard, MD, or schedule a consultation online today.