Understanding endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women, and can be extremely painful. It is a disorder in which the tissue lining the uterus forms outside of the uterus, typically in areas such as the intestines, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. During a menstrual cycle, this tissue sheds and can result in intense discomfort. Because the endometrial lining outside of the uterus has nowhere to leave the body, it remains inside and develops into scar tissue or cysts. 

Who is at a higher risk of developing endometriosis? 

• Women who have not had children
• Women with a family history of endometriosis
• Women with other menstrual irregularities

What are the symptoms of endometriosis? 

Some of the more common symptoms of this condition include: 

• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Pain during bowel movements or urination
• Bleeding in-between period
• Infertility issues
• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea

It is important that a woman gets a full evaluation to ensure a definitive diagnosis, as this condition may also be easily confused with other problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

What is the treatment for endometriosis? 

There are a few ways in which Dr. Craig Ranch may approach endometriosis in his patients. Treatment varies as well depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the treatments that might be discussed include: 

• Hormone therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Surgical intervention

To determine the treatment right for you, our doctor may suggest the less invasive ways to improve one’s quality of life. If pain medications are not managing the discomfort effectively, hormone therapy might be recommended to reduce the development of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Severe cases may require surgery to remove the excess tissue and alleviate the pain associated with this disorder. 

How do I find out more about this condition? 

Patients of the McKinney, TX area who suspect they may have endometriosis, or have already received a diagnosis and are considering treatment options, are welcome to call the office of Dr. Craig Ranch and his team to discuss possible solutions.   The office is conveniently located at 7900 Henneman Way, Suite #100 and can be reached at (214) 544-6600.