Health Hub: Endometriosis, Let's Talk About It
One in every 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 experience endometriosis.
While one in every 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 experience endometriosis, most don’t realize that severe pain during their periods isn’t normal. For many women, the path to finding effective relief is met with great challenges. “But, there is hope,” notes Steven McCarus, MD, a nationally renowned gynecological surgeon at AdventHealth for Women.
Symptoms
Endometriosis can be very painful and worsen during your menstrual cycle. The pain may even get worse over time, with every period you have. You may also experience other symptoms, such as:
• Bloating • Fatigue • Infertility
• Constipation or diarrhea • Heavy bleeding during periods • Pain when you use the bathroom
If you have heavy, painful periods, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of endometriosis since early detection may help you achieve better outcomes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have symptoms of endometriosis, your doctor may order a diagnostic test like an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for signs of endometriosis in your pelvis, or recommend laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to detect it.
Dr. McCarus believes surgery should be a last treatment with medical therapies being tried initially, but notes that it is an option for many patients. “With state-of-the-art surgical suites and technology, we can use minimally invasive techniques while offering better outcomes for the patient in reducing longterm pain,” he says.
Steven McCarus, MD, FACOG, is a board certified and internationally recognized OB/GYN surgeon and the Chief of Gynecological Surgery at AdventHealth Celebration and Winter Park. Dr. McCarus specializes in treating complex gynecologic conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, advanced endometriosis, infertility, menopausal symptoms, pelvic adhesions and pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and interstitial cystitis, uterine fibroids, and painful bladder syndrome.
To schedule an appointment visit YourCentralFloridaDoctor.com/GYN, or call AdventHealth's Women’s Health Navigator at 407-720-5191.
