Endometriosis
Specialist

mds-group

Maryland Specialty Group

Multi-Specialty Group located
in Glenn Dale, MD

Maryland Specialty Group Multi-Specialty Group located in Glenn Dale, MD Pelvic pain is never pleasant, and endometriosis is no exception. This condition can cause anything from recurring discomfort to agonizing pain, so Kwasi A. Debra, MD, MBA, and the team at Maryland Specialty Group offer specialized, effective treatment for endometriosis. To learn more about endometriosis treatment, contact their office in Glenn Dale, Maryland today. Call or book your appointment with the online scheduler.
301-552-9495

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when your body grows uterine tissue called endometrium outside your uterus. Because the body can’t differentiate between this tissue and the tissue that lines your uterus, all of the tissue behaves the same way. The tissue – even the tissue outside the uterus – thickens, then breaks down and bleeds with the body’s menstrual cycle.
The problem is that the tissue outside the uterus doesn’t have anywhere to go as it breaks down, which can cause irritation in the surrounding tissue or cysts in the ovaries.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pain almost always accompanies endometriosis. The location and triggers for that pain may vary, however. Some of the common symptoms include:
  • Excessive pain during periods, especially in the lower abdomen and back
  • Long, painful cramps for weeks before or after the period
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain or discomfort during bowel movements or urination
  • Infertility
The severity of your symptoms is not indicative of the severity of your endometriosis. It’s possible to have acute pain even when very little endometrial tissue has grown outside the uterus.

What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available that can help you
manage the symptoms of your endometriosis.

Hormonal contraceptives

Common birth control methods can help with your endometriosis symptoms. These contraceptives decrease your fertility by limiting the way your body grows and builds up endometrial tissue, so they can minimize the amount of tissue that grows outside your uterus and, consequently, your symptoms. Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings can all help treat your symptoms.

Hormonal therapy

Some supplemental hormones can regulate the way your body grows endometrial tissue, giving you relief.

Other medication

Medications like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists or danzanol, which simulate menopause, can limit endometrial tissue growth and minimize your symptoms.

Surgery

Women who want to continue having children can choose conservative surgery, which aims to remove endometrial growths while protecting all of their reproductive organs. For patients with very severe endometriosis, Dr. Debra may recommend a hysterectomy. Be advised, though, that this eliminates your ability to have children.
If you think you may have endometriosis or are living with pelvic pain, Dr. Debra and the team at Maryland Specialty Group are here to help. Call or schedule an appointment online today to start exploring your treatment options.