Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis Specialist
Zeid Pelvic Health Center
Gynecology & Urogynecology located in Huntsville, TX
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that affects at least 10% of women of childbearing age. Women with endometriosis may experience chronic pelvic pain or difficulty getting pregnant. Yasser Zeid, MD, FACOG, FPMRS, a dual board-certified OB/GYN, at Zeid Pelvic Health Center in Huntsville, Texas, uses cutting-edge tools and technology to diagnose and treat endometriosis. To schedule a consultation with the women’s health experts, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis Q & A
What is endometriosis?
With endometriosis, you have endometrial growths outside your uterus. Endometrial tissue is normally only found inside your uterus. This tissue grows each month in anticipation of pregnancy and then sheds through menstruation when you don’t get pregnant.
Women with endometriosis may have endometrial growths on their ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the outer portion of their uterus. These growths function just like the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus. They grow and shed in tune with your menstrual cycle.
However, instead of exiting your body, the excess tissue stays inside your lower abdominal area, which causes inflammation and irritation of the organs resulting in pelvic pain and other gynecological symptoms and problems.
What are endometriosis symptoms?
Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. However, the type and severity of your pain may vary. Common pain conditions associated with endometriosis include:
- Severe menstrual pain that worsens over time
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Pain during urination or bowel movements
In addition to pain, your endometriosis may cause bleeding in-between your period. Many women with endometriosis also struggle with infertility.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
When you visit Zeid Pelvic Health Center with complaints of pelvic pain and concerns about endometriosis, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation so you get an accurate diagnosis.
The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopic procedure that includes a biopsy of the endometrial growths.
Before performing any surgical procedure, your provider at Zeid Pelvic Health Center first performs a physical and pelvic exam. They also run diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms. Testing may include blood work, urinalysis, ultrasound, or MRI.
How is endometriosis treated?
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. However, Zeid Pelvic Health Center offers cutting-edge treatments to manage symptoms and other health problems related to your endometriosis.
Conservative treatments may include extended-cycle birth control so you only have a few periods a year or placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) to control pain and bleeding.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, your provider at Zeid Pelvic Health Center may recommend a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. This medication stops your menstrual cycle and endometrial tissue growth for a short period of time, which may improve your chances of conception.
Dr. Zeid is also a skilled surgeon and may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometrial growths to alleviate your symptoms.
For cutting-edge care of endometriosis, call Zeid Pelvic Health Center, or book an appointment online today.