Pelvic Pain And Endometriosis

Pelvic pain can result from complications in the pelvic region, including reproductive organs, urinary tract, or digestive system. Pain from the reproductive organs may be due to pelvic infection or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, also known as PID, and is related to sexually transmitted diseases. Other possible causes of pelvic pain are ovarian cysts, scar tissue from previous pelvic surgery, or Endometriosis. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus and most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. This displaced tissue continues to act as it normally would; it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. This blood and tissue is trapped in the pelvis and can cause irritation, scar tissue, and pain, especially during your menstrual cycle. Because of the scar tissue, it can also cause fertility problems. There are fortunately many treatment options for endometriosis and at Women’s Wellness Center in Wellesley, MA, we can work with you to find your optimal treatment.

If you are experiencing any degree of pelvic pain, contact Sandra Fleming, MD for a consultation. Providing consultations to patients all over the metro Boston, MA region, Dr. Fleming will provide an evaluation of your pain and discuss treatment options that are best for you. 

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Treatment of pelvic pain and endometriosis can range from over-the-counter pain medication, to hormone therapy, to surgery.

Pain Medication for Endometriosis

Based upon your exam and history Dr. Fleming may recommend that you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). If you’re not trying to get pregnant she may also recommend hormone therapy in combination with pain relievers.

Hormone Therapy for Endometriosis

Changes in hormones during your menstrual cycle can cause areas of endometriosis to thicken, break down and bleed. Hormone therapy may slow endometrial tissue growth and prevent new areas of endometriosis from developing.

Hormone therapy isn’t a permanent fix for endometriosis, and you may experience a return of your symptoms after stopping treatment.

Therapies used to treat endometriosis may include hormonal contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, progestin therapy, aromatase inhibitors.

Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis

Surgical treatment for endometriosis can range from laparoscopic (conservative) surgery to hysterectomy. If you are trying to become pregnant, conservative surgery, which removes endometriosis implants but preserves the uterus and ovaries, may increase your chances of success.

More information can be found on the National Institute of Health’s website.