Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that causes pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. It’s a common health issue, affecting more than 11% of people of childbearing age in the United States. Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, and his experienced team in Miami and Hialeah, HCA Florida Kendall Regional Hospital, specialize in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. To receive expert care from a supportive and attentive team, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Every month, endometrial tissue grows along the wall of your uterus in anticipation of pregnancy. When you don’t get pregnant, your body sheds the tissue through menstruation.

With endometriosis, you may have endometrial-like growths on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer lining of your uterus. The displaced tissue may also grow on your bowel or other organs in the pelvic area.

Like the lining of your uterus, the endometrial-like tissue grows and sheds in tune with your menstrual cycle. However, the tissue has nowhere to go, causing inflammation and scarring in the pelvic area. 

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. You may have severe pain during your period or all the time. Other symptoms include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during a bowel movement
• Bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation

Many women with endometriosis also struggle with infertility. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

There’s no single test for diagnosing endometriosis. Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, and his team conduct a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. 

The team reviews your symptoms, menstrual cycle, gynecological history, medical history, and family history. They also perform a physical and pelvic exam and may run ultrasound tests to evaluate your reproductive organs.

They may prescribe medication, such as hormonal birth control or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH), to confirm or rule out endometriosis. If your pain improves after starting one of these medications, it’s likely you have endometriosis.

The team may perform laparoscopy to confirm your diagnosis. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that allows the growths on your reproductive organs to be seen and provides the team with tissue samples for further evaluation.

What treatments are available for endometriosis?

Your endometriosis treatment plan is customized based on your current pregnancy plans. If you have no plans for pregnancy, the team prescribes hormonal birth control to help manage endometrial tissue growth.

If you have pregnancy plans, they can prescribe GnRH, temporarily stopping your cycle and tissue growth, which may improve your chances of pregnancy. They may also remove the endometrial growths during your laparoscopy.

To find out more about endometriosis, call Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, or schedule an appointment online at the office nearest you today.