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Endometriosis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue — the tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus — elsewhere in the body. In women with endometriosis, this tissue may be found on the bladder, ovaries, bowel, outside of the uterus, and elsewhere on the inside of the abdomen. Endometriosis can cause infertility and painful, heavy menstrual periods.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers personalized care for endometriosis in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. Find a Doctor or call (702) 616-4900 to make an appointment today. We also offer a range of women’s health services, including wellness classes and support groups.
The exact cause or causes of endometriosis are not known. Possible causes may include immune disorders and previous surgery on the uterus. Since endometriosis can run in families, gene mutations may also play a role in its development.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
Symptoms vary from woman to woman. It is possible to have endometriosis and not have any noticeable signs.
Treatment and prevention options depend on the severity of endometriosis, your medical history, and your reproductive goals. Because endometriosis affects women differently, a treatment plan is tailored to each woman’s needs. Your doctor will recommend a treatment or combination of treatments based on your reproductive goals and how your symptoms respond to treatments.
Endometriosis treatment may include:
Doctors perform surgery to remove the patches of endometrial tissue that are outside of the uterus. They often opt for surgery when less invasive treatments have not provided sufficient relief from symptoms or to improve fertility in women with endometriosis who wish to have children.
Surgery is not a cure for endometriosis. Approximately 40 to 80 percent of women will develop pain again within two years of surgery. If a woman does not want children in the future and endometriosis is severe, doctors may remove her ovaries and/or uterus (hysterectomy). However, it is possible for endometriosis to recur even after removal of the uterus and ovaries.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can ease the pain of endometriosis.
Hormone medications can help decrease the uncomfortable symptoms associated with endometriosis by controlling hormone levels. Hormone therapy may include medications to block the release of hormones, progestin-containing IUDs, contraceptive injections, and birth control pills.
If you and are struggling to get pregnant and have endometriosis, your health care provider may refer you to a fertility specialist for treatment.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol and getting plenty of exercise may improve symptoms.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals provides a range of therapies for endometriosis in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
