Treatment for Endometriosis in Ocala, FL

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain, often contributing to infertility. More than six million women in the United States suffer from endometriosis. Most primary care providers in Central Florida aren’t equipped to help endometriosis sufferers. Staffed by leading gynecologist Poorti Riley, MD, our practice is the facility to go for advanced endometriosis treatment. Dr. Riley uses advanced treatment approaches for women experiencing symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis treatment  includes nonsurgical and minimally-invasive surgical techniques, helping patients resolve symptoms and enjoy better overall health and wellness.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful medical condition caused when tissue (endometrium) that normally lines the uterus begins growing outside the uterus, most commonly on the outside of the uterus, on the bowel, or on the ovaries or the fallopian tubes. Less commonly, these tissue growths or “implants” can grow outside the abdominal area. Implants can range in size and cause different symptoms depending on where they’re located and their size. In turn, implant growth rates and size can vary from one person to another and often fluctuate with changes in hormone levels. Endometriosis almost solely occurs during the childbearing years with implant growth halting during menopause.

Endometriosis is a common problem in women’s health. This disorder affects more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Who is at Risk for Endometriosis?

Endometriosis shows up more among women in their 30s and 40s, sometimes causing problems getting pregnant. As a result, it is often true that treating endometriosis in women can help them to combat any infertility issues they are experiencing.

Some factors that may put you at higher risk of developing endometriosis include:

  • Starting your period at a young age
  • A family history of endometriosis
  • Never giving birth
  • Menstrual cycles that are shorter than 27 days
  • Low body mass index
  • Alcohol consumption

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pelvic pain is the main symptom of endometriosis for women. While it’s normal to get painful cramps during your period, women with endometriosis report severe menstrual cramps that exceed what most women experience. Other common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include the following:

  • Extreme period cramps
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain while going to the bathroom
  • Problems getting pregnant
  • Excessive bleeding or bleeding in between periods

Treatments for Endometriosis

  • Medication. The pain associated with endometriosis is often treated first with over-the-counter medications that both reduce the pain and help to control the inflammation. Oral contraceptives may also be used to help control ovulation and the release of hormones that trigger the growth of endometrial tissues. 
  • Laparoscopy. In most cases, if the case is severe, surgery is recommended by Dr. Riley to remove the endometrial tissue and prevent it from spreading any further. Dr. Riley will first recommend minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery, which involves making 2-3 small incisions in the abdomen. Specialized instruments & a camera are inserted in each incision, and Dr. Riley will use the camera & tools to both detect & remove any growths found.
  • Hysterectomy. If the condition continues to return, Dr. Riley may recommend a partial or full hysterectomy in which the uterus or both the uterus and the ovaries are removed. Once the uterus is removed, the source of the endometrial tissue is removed and the condition should not return.