Endometriosis affects about 11% of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44, often leading to considerable pain and discomfort. If you figure among this number, there’s much that Dr. Carlos Barrionuevo at Coral Springs OBGYN, LLC can do to help. With the latest treatment protocols, Dr. Barrionuevo helps women in Coral Springs, Florida manage the pain and increase their chances of having children. To get help with your endometriosis, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
Endometriosis is when the lining of your uterus grows on the outside, often draping itself over nearby organs, such as the:
The problem lies in the fact that this tissue acts as it usually would inside your uterus. That means it thickens in anticipation of a fertilized egg each month and then attempts to shed when one doesn’t arrive.
When your lining is outside your uterus, however, it has nowhere to go. As the lining goes through this cycle over and over, scar tissue and adhesions can form, obstructing your organs and causing you pain.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include:
The severity of these symptoms varies from one woman to the next. Some women aren’t even aware they have endometriosis, while others suffer debilitating pain.
Medical researchers are unclear as to what causes endometriosis. They have, however, identified specific risk factors, including:
When it comes to treating your endometriosis, Dr. Barrionuevo strives to find a treatment that complements your goals.
For example, one possible treatment is hormone therapy, which can alleviate the pain and discomfort of endometriosis, but it’s not a great option if you’re trying to get pregnant.
In these cases, Dr. Barrionuevo may use laparoscopic surgery to remove the adhesions and extra tissue to facilitate your chances of getting pregnant. However, your endometriosis can return afterward. Should this occur, he may recommend exploring other avenues, such as in vitro fertilization.
Ultimately, how Dr. Barrionuevo treats your endometriosis depends upon the severity of your symptoms and your goals. Rest assured, he works with you to come up with a treatment plan that addresses both.
To learn more about managing your endometriosis, call Coral Springs OBGYN or schedule an appointment using the online tool.
