Endometriosis Specialist in Miramar, FL

It is estimated that 1 in 10 women in the United States are affected by endometriosis. The providers at Flamingo Women’s Pavilion constantly strive to alleviate painful side effects and improve the quality of life in every patient we treat. Our OBGYNs are experienced in diagnosing and treating endometriosis and offer several in-office treatment options, including pelvic laparoscopic procedures, endometrial ablations, and more. Our approach has helped many women in Miramar, Florida and surrounding areas achieve a life that is free from painful endometriosis symptoms.

What Is Endometriosis?

Especially common among women in their 30s and 40s, endometriosis is a condition that occurs in women when tissues similar to those of the inner uterine lining start to grow outside of the uterus, behind the uterus, on the bowels, or on the bladder. This results in the appearance of abnormal tissue growth throughout the pelvis, which causes intense pressure and pain in this region of the body.

Dr. Dwight Benjamin of Flamingo Women’s Pavilion can help diagnose your symptoms as endometriosis and determine the best treatment for you.

How Do I Know If I Have Endometriosis?

Possibly, although the only way to know for sure is to go through a thorough examination and possibly a diagnostic laparoscopy by Dr. Benjamin. Most women have obvious symptoms when they have endometriosis, but symptoms affect each woman differently.

Symptoms caused by endometrial tissue include:

• Abnormally painful periods
• Pain the lower belly, pelvis, or low back
• Cramps lasting for several weeks
• Spotting before periods
• Pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements
• Difficulty getting pregnant

It may be harder for a woman with endometriosis to get pregnant, but it does not mean she is guaranteed to be infertile. It is estimated that 30-40% of women with this disease experience some level of difficulty in becoming pregnant.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Endometriosis?

You may be more likely to develop endometriosis if you:

• Have a first-degree relative with endometriosis
• Started your period at a young age
• Never had children
• Have frequent periods, or ones that last more than 7 days
• Have an immune system dysfunction

Treatment for Endometriosis in Miramar, FL

The onset of endometriosis typically occurs during a woman’s reproductive years but usually isn’t diagnosed until ages 25 to 35. Endometriosis treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your only symptom is a little more cramping with your monthly periods, you may just need an occasional pain reliever. For severe pain, you might need prescription medications. Many women near Miramar and Pembroke Pines benefit from hormone therapy.

While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are several treatments to help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. The best treatment for you will depend on several factors, and is something you should discuss individually with your gynecologist.

If pain interferes with your daily life, it is a good idea to discuss the following treatment options with your doctor to help relieve your symptoms:

• Pain relievers: To manage pain and cramping, over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription painkillers, and relaxation techniques may help.
• Hormone therapy: Birth control pills, progesterone pills or injections, and other medications can stop endometriosis from worsening, but will prevent you from getting pregnant.
• Surgery: Undergoing surgery is the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis, and it is usually removed at the same time.