Endometriosis

Are painful or heavy periods affecting your daily life? Institute for Gynecology Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery in Englewood, New Jersey, provides expert care for women dealing with endometriosis. Yitzhack Asulin, MD, FACS, FACOG, specializes in advanced, minimally invasive treatments that target endometriosis, helping relieve pain and manage symptoms without extensive surgery. Dr. Asulin’s skilled, patient-focused approach can help you regain comfort. Call today or book online to schedule your consultation.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside your uterus, often on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. This tissue continues to act like the uterine lining, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. 

Unlike normal uterine tissue, however, the blood has no way to exit your body, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and pain. Endometriosis can affect women of all ages, particularly those in their reproductive years.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely, and some women may experience only mild discomfort, while others face severe pain. Common signs include:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) that worsen over time
• Chronic pelvic pain, sometimes radiating to the lower back or legs
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving
• Fatigue, bloating, and digestive issues, including nausea or diarrhea

Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms can help Dr. Asulin make an accurate diagnosis.

What causes endometriosis? 

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute, including:

• Retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity
• Genetic predisposition, as endometriosis often runs in families
• Immune system disorders that make it harder for the body to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus
• Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving estrogen, can fuel the growth of endometrial tissue

Understanding these potential causes can help guide effective treatment and management strategies if you’re living with endometriosis.

How is endometriosis treated?

While there’s no cure for endometriosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Options include:

• Pain relief with over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Hormonal therapies to reduce or stop the growth of endometrial tissue
• Minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial lesions and scar tissue, which may improve fertility and relieve pain

If you’re struggling with painful or heavy periods, persistent pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving, seeking specialized care is essential. Schedule a consultation at Institute for Gynecology Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery by phone or online.