Endometriosis Specialist

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common women’s health condition where your endometrium, the tissue that lines your uterus each month, develops on organs outside your uterus. It’s estimated that nearly 11% of American women ages 15-44 have this condition. In most cases, endometriosis develops in other pelvic organs, but it can grow anywhere in your body.

What are symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain-like severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic and back pain, or pain during or after sex. You might also experience abnormal bleeding, including heavy periods or spotting between periods. Endometriosis may also upset your digestion, especially during your period.

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is not certain, although there are many possible explanations and risk factors. For example, if you have a family history of endometriosis, started your period early, or have high levels of estrogen, your risk of endometriosis increases.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Dr. Robins diagnoses endometriosis with a combination of a detailed exam, imaging services, and surgical procedures. During your exam, he talks to you about your symptoms and performs a pelvic exam to feel for abnormalities. He may also order ultrasounds to check for abnormal growths.

If an ultrasound is inconclusive, Dr. Robins may use a laparoscopic procedure to look at your uterus and other pelvic organs to check for signs of endometriosis. This is a minimally invasive procedure where Dr. Robins uses a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the tip which is inserted through a small incision in your abdomen, to closely examine your organs and tissues.

How is endometriosis treated?

Dr. Robins offers customizes treatment for endometriosis to meet your specific needs. For example, he may prescribe birth control pills to regulate your hormones or stop menstruation to prevent your endometriosis from getting worse.

He also offers surgical procedures to remove growths or related scar tissue if necessary. Dr. Robins typically performs surgeries laparoscopically or with the Da Vinci ® robotic surgery system to improve your experience and reduce your risks of scarring and infection. He may perform a conservative procedure to remove just the growths and abnormal tissue, or a full hysterectomy may be needed.

If you’re concerned about endometriosis, call or make an appointment online today for effective diagnosis and treatment with Dr. Robins.