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Endometriosis Specialists at Women’s Health Arizona

Endometriosis, a painful gynecologic disorder, affects women primarily during their reproductive years, although it can occur after menopause and before periods start. Our physicians in the Phoenix metropolitan and Prescott areas offer innovative treatments for endometriosis. Contact an endometriosis specialist from Women’s Health Arizona for assistance today!

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus—most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding pelvic organs. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue or adhesions over time.

While endometriosis primarily affects women of reproductive age, it can take years to diagnose due to its wide-ranging symptoms and overlap with other conditions. Early evaluation and personalized treatment are key to managing the disease and improving quality of life..

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, both in type and severity. Some individuals experience debilitating pain, while others may have mild or even no symptoms at all. Because many symptoms overlap with other gynecological or gastrointestinal conditions, diagnosis can sometimes be delayed.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain, often associated with menstruation
  • Pain during or after intercourse
  • Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during periods
  • Infertility or difficulty conceiving
  • Chronic lower back or abdominal pain
  • Fatigue, bloating, nausea—particularly around menstruation

While many women experience these often-debilitating symptoms, others won’t know they have the condition until they try to get pregnant or have a surgery for a different issue.

Diagnosing Endometriosis

Endometriosis is most often diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s. To diagnose, your provider may begin with a routine pelvic exam. However, the only way to verify that you have endometriosis is by performing a biopsy through a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy.

Causes and Risk Factors of Endometriosis

The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include:

  • Genetic predisposition – Endometriosis can run in families
  • Hormonal influences – Estrogen plays a key role in the condition’s progression
  • Retrograde menstrual flow – When menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity
  • Immune system dysfunction – May prevent the body from recognizing and destroying misplaced endometrial tissue

Additional risk factors include starting menstruation at an early age, never giving birth, short menstrual cycles, and high levels of estrogen in the body.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Treatment for endometriosis is tailored to each patient’s symptoms, severity, and reproductive goals. Options may include:

  • Medications – Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to manage discomfort
  • Hormone therapy – Birth control pills, GnRH agonists, or other hormonal treatments to suppress endometrial tissue growth
  • Lifestyle changes – Including dietary adjustments, stress reduction, and physical activity to help alleviate symptoms

Fertility support – If conception is a concern, additional reproductive assistance may be considered

When Surgery Is Necessary for Endometriosis

Surgical intervention may be recommended for severe cases of endometriosis, especially when symptoms are unresponsive to medication or when fertility is impacted. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove or destroy endometrial growths, reduce pain, and improve reproductive outcomes.

In rare and extreme cases, more extensive procedures may be discussed, including hysterectomy—but only when all other treatment options have been explored.

Discuss Your Endometriosis Treatment Options with Your Provider Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, there are a variety of treatment options available to you, including pain relievers, hormonal medications, and birth control pills. Have a conversation with your endometriosis specialist about your symptoms and they’ll help you develop a plan for treatment that fits your needs.If you experience any of the symptoms of endometriosis, your Women’s Health Arizona provider is here to help. Speak with them about what you’re experiencing, and they can advise you on diagnosis and treatment.

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