Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that affects at least 11 percent of women, or more than 6 million women in the United States. The experienced doctors at Orlando Health Women's Institute have helped many patients resolve their endometriosis with the most advanced treatment and procedures delivered with understanding and compassion.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus begins to grow outside of it. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, fatigue, severe pain with periods, pain with intercourse, and in extreme cases, bladder pain or intestinal pain. Endometriosis sometimes involves the ovaries and can lead to infertility in some women.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To check for the presence of endometriosis, your doctor will conduct a pelvic exam. Follow-up diagnosis may include an ultrasound exam, laparoscopic procedure or biopsy.

The first line of treatment for endometriosis is often hormonal medications. Your doctor may also recommend medications and treatments to manage pain.

Minimally invasive surgery for endometriosis is available from the skilled surgeons at Orlando Health Women's Institute. Laparoscopic surgery involves small incisions in the abdominal wall, allowing the surgeon to remove the endometriosis. For severe cases, more extensive surgery called laparotomy may be required.

If surgery is required, we are here to care for you throughout your surgical experience — from preoperative testing through your recovery process.

1. Buck Louis, G.M., Hediger, M.L., Peterson, C.M., Croughan, M., Sundaram, R., Stanford, J., et al. (2011). Estimated incidence of endometriosis by diagnostic method and study population: The ENDO Study. Fertility and Sterility; 96(2):360-365.