Neuropelveology: A New Frontier in Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain
Do you know that up to one-third of women struggle with chronic pelvic pain during their reproductive years? We do, which is why we now offer a long overdue specialty — neuropelveology.
Painful Sex? Extreme Menstrual Cramps? Pelvic Pain? You May Have Endometriosis
Experiencing irritation in your pelvic region can be a sign of a number of different conditions. If it gets worse during sex or during your menstrual cycle, there’s a chance you may have endemetriosis. At Advanced Endometriosis Center, Ulas Bozdogan, MD, specializes in treating patients who suffer from endometriosis. He even treats patients who are having trouble getting pregnant due to endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
Under normal circumstances, endometrial tissue lines the uterus. With endometriosis, this endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, usually in the pelvic region. It can grow on the bowels, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and in rare cases, even in locations far away from the uterus.
Symptoms of endometriosis
Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the condition. While some women can experience mild to severe symptoms, other women may not experience any symptoms. These women often discover they have endometriosis after they seek help for fertility issues.
The most common symptom is pelvic pain. Do know, however, that the amount of pain you experience is not an indication of how severe the condition may be. Even mild forms of the condition can cause great pain.
You may feel pain in a number of ways, including:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods
- Severe cramping weeks before or after your periods
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Discomfort with bowel movements
- Lower back pain
The most severe symptom for many patients is that endometriosis can cause fertility problems.
Endometriosis can also be mistaken for other medical conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome. To get to the bottom of your pain, Dr. Bozdogan will give you a comprehensive evaluation.
Treating endometriosis
Treatments can vary depending on the extent of your condition and symptoms.
Pain medication
If pain is the main symptom and you have a mild form of the condition, Dr. Bozdogan may prescribe pain medication.
Hormone therapy
Some women can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. This requires taking supplemental hormones to regulate the monthly hormonal changes that lead to the endometrial growth.
Contraceptives
Using hormonal contraceptives ― such as birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings ― can ease or completely eliminate the pain caused by endometriosis.
Noninvasive surgery
Dr. Bozdogan can surgically remove the excess endometrial tissue using minimally invasive techniques. One of the most effective treatments he offers is robot-assisted surgery. He can use the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical system to carefully remove the endometrial tissue without causing harm to your other tissues.
Hysterectomy
This is the last resort, but if no other treatment works, a hysterectomy can resolve your problem by removing your uterus.
If you have endometriosis and need treatment or want to see if you have the condition, Dr. Bozdogan can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advanced Endometriosis Center today.
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