Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that can significantly affect your physical well-being. At Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology in Ventura, California, the all-female team of board-certified OB/GYNs provides individualized care for women with endometriosis, helping them manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Call the office for compassionate and patient-centered care or schedule an appointment online today.

request an appointment

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium (the tissue lining the uterus) outside the uterus.

The endometrial-like growths, commonly called implants, are found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The implants may also grow on the outside part of the uterus, intestines, bladder, or rectum.

Every month your uterus prepares the endometrium in preparation for pregnancy. When you don’t get pregnant, you shed the endometrium through menstruation.

Endometriosis implants grow and shed like the endometrium, causing pain, swelling, and scarring that may affect the structure and function of the organs in your lower abdominal area.

What are some of the symptoms of endometriosis?

Chronic pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. The pain may occur before, during, or after your period. Or, you may have pain all the time.

If you have implants on the bladder or intestines, you may experience discomfort when urinating or having a bowel movement. Heavy or abnormal bleeding is also common in women with endometriosis.

However, it’s possible to have endometriosis and not have any symptoms at all. During an infertility evaluation, women with asymptomatic endometriosis may learn they have the gynecological condition.

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility in women.

What tests diagnose endometriosis?

There’s no single test for diagnosing endometriosis. The team at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or infertility to find the underlying cause of your symptoms.

They ask detailed questions about your concerns, medical and gynecological history, and menstrual cycle. They perform a physical and pelvic exam and may run tests, such as bloodwork and an ultrasound, to rule out other conditions.

The team may formulate a preliminary diagnosis after your exam and tests, but may recommend a diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm you have endometriosis.

During this procedure, the team uses minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to examine your reproductive organs, looking for endometriosis implants and taking tissue samples for evaluation.

What are the treatments for endometriosis?

The team at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology customizes your endometriosis treatment plan based on symptoms and your current and future pregnancy plans. Treatment may include medications to manage pain and slow down endometrial tissue growth, surgery to remove implants, or both.

For compassionate gynecological management of your endometriosis, call Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or schedule an appointment online today.