Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterus, in areas such as the:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Outer surface of the uterus
• Lining of the pelvic cavity
• Connective tissues anchoring the uterus

Although uncommon, endometriosis may also develop in your bowel and bladder. In rare cases, it can spread to your chest, affecting the chest lining or your lungs.

Inside your uterus, the endometrium goes through monthly changes in response to hormones. It prepares to nurture a fertilized egg, then sheds when you’re not pregnant, causing menstruation.

When the same tissue grows outside your uterus, it continues to go through the same monthly cycles. As a result, it bleeds into your pelvic area, causing inflammation and scarring that can damage the surrounding tissues.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis is known for causing pain, but the severity of your symptoms may vary from mild to debilitating. You may experience pain:

• Throughout your lower abdominal or pelvic area
• During menstruation
• Within a week prior to your menstrual period
• When you urinate or have bowel movements
• During intercourse

How is endometriosis diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Gyang performs a diagnostic laparoscopy to determine if you have endometriosis. During the laparoscopy, he visually examines the tissues in your pelvic cavity and takes a biopsy of endometrial tissue, if necessary.

Dr. Gyang customizes treatment to meet your individual needs; your treatment plan may include:

Medication

Dr. Gyang may prescribe birth control pills to slow the growth of endometrial tissues. He may also recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain, especially during your menstrual cycle.

Another medication, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, lowers estrogen and stops your menstrual cycle. Although it controls the growth of endometriosis, you can only take it for a short time due to its side effects.

Minimally invasive surgery

Medications may control growth, but surgery is the only way to eliminate patches of endometriosis. Dr. Gyang specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis, using a few small incisions so you can recover quickly with minimal postoperative pain and scarring.

In some cases, Dr. Gyang may recommend a minimally invasive hysterectomy — partial or complete removal of your uterus — to alleviate your pain.

If you suffer from any degree of pelvic pain, call Osceola Gynecology or book an appointment online.