How endometriosis affects your body and what you can do about it

When should someone see a doctor about possible endometriosis symptoms?

People who have pain with their period, bowel movements and/or intercourse that affects their quality of life should visit a physician for evaluation.

It’s important to track your symptoms. When patients come in, it is very helpful to know what issues they are experiencing and how long they have experienced them. Having that information readily available helps with diagnosis.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

We listen to a patient’s symptoms, perform an exam and can use pelvic imaging tools to learn more about their situation. Options include:

• Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound: Standard methods to visualize pelvic organs and provide closer, more detailed images of the uterus and ovaries.
  
  
• Augmented pelvic ultrasound (APU): Minimally-invasive, cost-effective form of transvaginal ultrasound to help detect deep, superficial and ovarian endometriosis and scar tissue in the pelvis — conditions that can often be missed with standard imaging.
  
  
• Pelvic and abdominal MRI: Detailed, cross-sectional images of pelvic and abdominal structures help identify endometriosis lesions and guide treatment, especially in complex cases.

Still, in the vast majority of cases, we do not find any signs on imaging. Endometriosis is a complex condition, and we are conducting research to look at better ways to diagnose it.

How is endometriosis treated?

Endometriosis is treated as a chronic condition — we cannot cure it.

UChicago Medicine offers comprehensive care for endometriosis-related pain, starting with over-the-counter medications for mild cases and advancing to specialized options that include physical therapy, behavioral support and neuropathic pain management with the support of our Pain Medicine Clinic.

Hormone therapy is a common strategy to reduce symptoms, tailored to your health goals and family planning needs. When those options are insufficient, minimally invasive surgery — such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures — may be recommended to remove lesions and improve fertility.

Our expert team works closely with you to find the best personalized treatment plan.

Does endometriosis affect fertility and my ability to get pregnant?

It’s the first question many women ask. Approximately 30% to 50% of people diagnosed with endometriosis will have fertility issues. Many patients get pregnant without intervention.

Still, endometriosis can interfere with your ability to become pregnant, especially if lesions grow on or around your ovaries or cause scarring. If you’re trying or hope to conceive, laparoscopic surgery may make it possible to leave your uterus intact and improve your chances for pregnancy.

If someone has endometriosis, will they need to have a hysterectomy?

In some cases, a hysterectomy — the removal of your uterus and/or ovaries — might be advised, with a focus on safety and quicker recovery.

Hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis. It can improve painful periods, but it won’t cure the condition. We know patients with certain subtypes of the condition do better with surgery, but it all depends on the individual and their goals.

What other myths about endometriosis do you hear often?

Many patients think that if they have bowel symptoms, the disease has infiltrated into their bowels. That’s usually not true. And since every patient situation is complex and unique, often information that they find on social media may be incorrect.

What works for someone else might not work for you. That’s why it is important to talk with a gynecologist about your unique situation and the treatment options that are available.