Endometriosis
A disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus in places where it doesn’t belong.
ESSE Care diagnoses and treats Endometriosis.
- Infertility
- IVF Failure
- Hot Flashes
- Bowel Symptoms
- Pelvic Pain
- Fatigue
- Hormone Imbalance
- Painful Periods
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a health condition that can affect the lives of patients born with a uterus from their teenage years through and beyond menopause. It is when cells similar to those of the endometrial cavity (or womb/intra uterine lining cells) grow outside the uterus in abnormal places. They look identical to endometrial cells on the microscope but they do not come from there in most cases.
While it was once believed to be isolated to the pelvis we now know these cells and growths can occur in a wide range of places in the body. In advanced cases it may be “extra-pelvic” and involve the diaphragm, lung cavity, kidney outlets and other places. Diagnosis maybe linked to cyclical symptoms but some patients may have started cyclical and then advanced to a daily struggle they must navigate.
Are you feeling uncertain about a potential Endometriosis diagnosis? Do you feel the need for another perspective?
We are here to provide a soothing sanctuary for healing, free from any stress or manipulation. Our primary aim is to offer you tranquility and peace of mind. We will take the stress out of planning for you. With a collaborative team and multi-pronged approach to treating and managing the many symptoms and multisystem involvement endometriosis can impact, we will take the stress out of it for you. Whether you need nutrition support, hormone balancing, pelvic floor therapy, or resources, let us provide the best in the field to help.
Endometriosis Stages
For simplicity’s sake, the ASRM staging has been explained below. We will also include and acknowledge the importance of the 2021 AAGL updated staging however this is a surgical diagnosis and quite complex: see figure below for details.
Stage 1 Endometriosis
(ASRM: Minimal) Also called peritoneal or superficial (in depth not in pain/consequence) Lesions may be in multiple locations but are superficial in depth and usually do not pick up on MRI. They can be clear/white or colored and down to 1mm in size.
Stage 2 Endometriosis
(ASRM: Mild) More distribution and locations than stage 1, generally with some surrounding scar tissue or fibrosis. Can have some deeper lesions.
Stage 3 Endometriosis
(ASRM: Moderate) many deeper implants (>3mm) with involvement of one or both ovaries (endometriomas or endometriosis lesions on ovary). Scar tissue present with fibrosis and inflammation around the lesions and possible adhesions.
Stage 4 Endometriosis
(ASRM: Severe) Many deep implants with deeply infiltrating disease and scar tissue. Distant organ involvement can include bowel, bladder, vagina, diaphragm, lungs, kidney back up pressure. The pelvis can be “frozen” or glued together with the bowel stuck to the uterus and bladder and other organs.
1,200+
SURGERIES
Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein, D.O. FACOG
Real stories from real patients.
Dive into our patient stories which illuminate the struggles they have been on and their path to healing with ESSE Care. Discover touching tales, significant experiences, and instances of patients finally finding relief after years of feeling unheard, disbelieved, and misdiagnosed. These narratives beautifully demonstrate the life-changing impact of empathy and attentive care.
Looking for something particular?
Endometriosis
A disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus in places where it doesn't belong.
Fertility Consulting
Exploration (surgical or non-surgical coaching through the journey or investigating options).
Hormone Balancing
Whether in peri-menopause, menopause or seeking optimal balance throughout life ESSE Care provides hormone knowledge and customized approaches to help you feel your best.
Teenage intro to Gynecology
A comfortable place to talk about what is normal and what is not regarding periods and the menstrual cycle. Hormone and vitamin panel can be drawn ahead of the visit and transabdominal sonogram can be done ahead for those who do not need or want a pelvic exam.
Book Appointment
For a case review or to find out if you are a candidate please call or email us using the form below:
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes, pregnancy is possible with endometriosis, but the condition can sometimes make it more difficult due to inflammation and scarring in the pelvic area. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.
Is endometriosis hereditary?
There is some evidence to suggest that endometriosis may have a genetic component, meaning it can be hereditary. Studies have shown that women with a mother or sister with endometriosis are more likely to develop the condition.
What does endometriosis look like?
Endometriosis cannot typically be seen with the naked eye or on sonogram unless their is ovarian involvement or MRI images show nodularity suspicious for disease. It involves tissue growth outside the uterus by nature and typically is not visible on sonogram or pap smear. However, during a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy or robotic laparoscopy, doctors can see the endometriosis tissue growths, which can appear as small, dark lesions, clear lesions, pores, fibrosis or ahesions on the pelvic organs and tissues.
Does endometriosis cause cancer?
Endometriosis does not directly cause cancer, but there is a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of ovarian cancer in women with the condition. The risk is still relatively low, with fewer than 1% of women with endometriosis developing ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer in the general population is between 1 in 80 or 1 in 100. With endometriosis history the risk is 1 in 50.
Does endometriosis cause weight gain?
Endometriosis itself is not known to cause weight gain directly. However, some women with endometriosis may experience bloating or swelling of the abdomen, making them feel as though they have gained weight. Additionally, some medications used to treat endometriosis can cause weight gain as a side effect.
What are the first signs of endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which may be severe and can occur before, during, or after menstruation.
Does endometriosis go away?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, meaning it does not go away on its own.
Is endometriosis an autoimmune disease?
Endometriosis is not considered an autoimmune disease, but it may involve immune system dysfunction. Research has suggested that women with endometriosis may have an altered immune response, which allows endometrial tissue to grow outside of the uterus.
Can you see endometriosis on ultrasound?
While ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose endometriosis, it can sometimes identify signs that suggest the presence of the condition. For example, endometriosis cysts, also known as endometriomas, can sometimes be visible on ultrasound as fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.
How common is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a relatively common condition, affecting about 10% of reproductive-aged women. However, because endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and many women with the condition may not experience symptoms, the actual prevalence may be higher than reporter.
How to prevent endometriosis?
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent endometriosis. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for women with endometriosis.
Can you get endometriosis after having a baby?
While pregnancy can sometimes provide temporary relief from endometriosis symptoms, it is possible to develop endometriosis after having a baby. The risk is higher if you have had a cesarean section or bleeding abnormality with your delivery. The risk of developing endometriosis may be influenced by a woman’s individual medical factors, such as genetics or previous medical history.
Does birth control help endometriosis?
Yes, birth control can help manage the symptoms of endometriosis. However it is not for everyone and some patients may have worsening of symptoms or side effects on birth control. For patients desiring no bleeding from menstruation and no ovulation or cyst formation every month Hormonal birth control, such as the pill or intrauterine devices (IUDs), regulates the menstrual cycle and can help reduce symptoms associated with the growth and inflammation of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Can endometriosis cause miscarriage?
Endometriosis may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage, but the exact relationship between the two is not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that women with endometriosis may have higher levels of inflammation, which could increase the risk of pregnancy complications. However, many women with endometriosis can conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy to term.
Does endometriosis cause back pain?
Endometriosis can cause back pain, although it is not one of the most common symptoms of the condition. The pain associated with endometriosis is typically localized in the pelvic area, but it can also radiate to the lower back, thighs, or other body parts.
Does endometriosis cause bloating?
Yes, endometriosis can cause bloating as one of its symptoms. The growth of endometriosis tissue outside the uterus can cause inflammation in the pelvic area, leading to bloating or swelling. This may be more pronounced during or just before menstruation.
Can an IUD cause endometriosis?
There is no evidence to suggest that using an intrauterine device (IUD) can cause endometriosis. In fact, some types of IUDs, such as hormonal IUDs, are sometimes used to help manage the symptoms of endometriosis.
Can endometriosis cause diarrhea?
Yes, endometriosis can cause diarrhea as one of its symptoms. The inflammation and scarring associated with endometriosis can affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea.
Can you have endometriosis and PCOS?
Yes, it is possible to simultaneously have both endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While the two conditions are distinct and have different causes, they can share some symptoms, such as irregular periods and pelvic pain.