Endometriosis And Pelvic Pain Specialist

Women's Healthcare of Princeton

Gynecologists located in Princeton, NJ

Endometriosis is a condition that causes painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, and negatively impacts quality of life. Endometriosis can cause cysts of the ovaries and scarring in the pelvis which can also impact fertility. Endometriosis is known to affect at least 10% of the female population, but it likely affects many more sufferers as this is an underrecognized and undertreated condition. The expert gynecologic surgeons at Women’s Healthcare of Princeton are trained to treat endometriosis both medically and surgically with excision of the disease. If you are suffering from this condition, call or book an appointment online today.

Chronic pelvic pain is the persistence of pain in the pelvic region for at least 3-6 months. It can be debilitating and challenging to live with. The cause of pelvic pain is often due to multiple factors including muscle dysfunction, neurologic dysfunction, inflammation, and trauma. Our specialists provide a comprehensive approach to the treatment of pain including working closely with pelvic floor physical therapists, Botox and trigger point injections, and non-opioid pain medications. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more.

609-430-1900

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Q & A

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a fairly common disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows on structures such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of your uterus, or along the tissues that line your pelvis.

The tissue behaves similar to the uterine lining: It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because these displaced tissues, or implants, have no way to exit your body, they can cause the formation of scar tissue, ovarian cysts, and adhesions. Common endometriosis symptoms include:

Chronic pelvic pain, especially during menstruation
Pain during sexual intercourse
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding between cycles
Painful bowel movements or pain while urinating

Is Endometriosis Linked to Other Health Risks?

Yes. In addition to causing chronic pelvic pain that can be debilitating and difficult to manage, endometriosis can cause other health complications. Women with endometriosis have a slightly higher than average rate of ovarian cancer.

Infertility is another possible complication: Up to half of all women with endometriosis have difficulty conceiving, while about 40% of women with infertility also have endometriosis. That’s because the chronic inflammation caused by endometriosis can damage sperm and eggs, hinder their movement, and prevent them from coming together. Women with mild to moderate endometriosis are often advised not to delay having children, as the problem can worsen with time.

What are My Treatment Options?

Endometriosis can’t be cured, but there are a variety of treatment options to help alleviate its symptoms and any related problems. If you have mild pelvic pain, you may find that over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, provide all the relief you need.

If you aren’t planning to become pregnant, taking hormonal birth control or some other hormonal medication can help keep the condition from worsening. Hormonal medications help slow the growth of endometrial tissues, and may also prevent the formation of new adhesions. Extended cycle or continuous cycle hormonal birth control, which is available as a pill or an injection, can help stop bleeding and reduce pelvic pain.

For patients who do not have relief from medications or are interested in fertility, surgical excision of endometriosis is often recommended. This can be done via a minimally invasive approach with small incisions on the abdomen.

*Individual Results May Vary