Ask for an endometriosis specialist, an expert in endometrial surgery, in our all-female physician group in Jacksonville, FL

As an all-female physician group practice, FABEN doctors understand the physical and mental pain caused by endometriosis.  If you have any questions, ask us for an endometriosis specialist, who is an expert in endometrial surgery. We offer high-tech, comfortable offices in three convenient locations in greater Jacksonville. Our physicians can diagnose and treat endometriosis with care and compassion. We offer preventive care programs, a wide array of testing, and advanced surgical procedures when needed.

Are you living with pain from endometriosis? 

Endometriosis happens when the endometrium, the tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of it. It’s essential to speak to an endometriosis specialist if you are concerned.

There are three types:

  • Superficial Peritoneal Lesion (a thin film that lines the pelvic cavity)
  • Endometrioma (ovarian lesions deep inside and dark, fluid-filled cysts that do not respond well to treatment and can damage healthy tissue)
  • Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis (tissue that grows under the peritoneum and can involve organs, such as the bowels or bladder, near the uterus in 1%-5% of women)

Symptoms

Note: Many women have no symptoms

  • Chronic (long-term) pelvic pain during menstruation with heavy or unusual bleeding
  • Back pain, severe cramps, and pain during bowel and bladder movements
  • Diarrhea or constipation and possible blood in the stool or urine
  • Painful intercourse or trouble getting pregnant
  • Fatigue that won’t go away

Treatment

Depends on the extent of disease, symptoms, and the desire for children

  • Medication to alleviate pain 
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs 
    • Hormone medications, including birth control pills (to slow endometrial tissue grown and keep adhesions from forming)
    • Progestin-only medications
    • The FDA-approved gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists 
    • These drugs typically do not get rid of existing endometriosis
  • Surgery to remove diseased tissue, relieve pain, and  improve fertility
    • However, up to 8-10 women experience pain within 2 years post-surgery
      Invisible endometriosis or all diseased tissue not able to be removed
      Endometriosis may return if diagnosed as a severe case; taking birth control pills post-surgery may extend the pain-free for a time; however, a hysterectomy may be suggested – ask your FABEN doctor about endometriosis treatment, including:
      • Endometrial surgery
      • Endometrial ablation surgery
      • Endometrial cancer surgery
      • Robotic surgery for endometriosis

More Facts To Consider About Endometriosis 

  • A laparoscopy procedure and tissue biopsy is the only way to confirm the disease 
  • It affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age (30s and 40s) and occurs in the:
    • Peritoneum
      • The membrane lining the abdominal cavity surrounding internal organs
    • Ovaries (most common area)
      • Where eggs exist and hormones are made (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) 
    • Fallopian Tubes
      • The tubes from the ovaries to the uterus where the eggs travel
    • Other surfaces 
      • Bladder – the hollow, muscular organ that stores urine
      • Ureters – pair of tubes, each leading from the kidney to the bladder
      • Intestines
      • Rectum (last part of your digestive tract)
    • Cul-de-sac or space behind the uterus
  • Almost 4 in 10 women with infertility have endometriosis, which may:
    • Cause damage to the sperm or egg 
    • Interfere with the eggs’ movement 
    • Block the fallopian tubes with adhesions or scar tissue in severe cases
  • Endometriosis responds to changes in the hormone estrogen resulting in:
    • Irritated, inflamed, and swelling in surrounding tissues 
    • New growth and bleeding mimicking the menstrual cycle
    • New scar tissue or adhesions and pain, causing organs to stick together

If you’re concerned, call the all-female physicians at FABEN OB/GYN in Jacksonville, FL, and make an appointment with an endometrial specialist today to talk about options and pain relief. We’re here to help.