Could That Chronic Pelvic Pain Be Endometriosis?

Pelvic pain can be frustrating and exhausting, but sometimes too easy to dismiss. If your discomfort is ongoing, worsens during your period, or affects your daily life, it could be something more: endometriosis. 

Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. The good news? You’re not alone. 

At Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie, Tracy Glass, DO, FACOG, and Gregory Kroeger, MD, FACOG, offer customized treatment plans that utilize medications or minimally invasive surgery to address endometriosis and its associated complications. 

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the link between pelvic pain and endometriosis. 

What is endometriosis? 

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) starts growing outside of the uterus. These misplaced patches of tissue can show up on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and even your bladder. 

Just like regular endometrial tissue, these patches respond to your monthly hormones by thickening, breaking down, and bleeding. But since the blood has nowhere to go, it causes inflammation, scar tissue, and sometimes severe pain.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include: 

• Chronic pelvic pain (especially just before or during your period) 
• Pain during or after sex 
• Heavy or irregular periods 
• Painful bowel movements or urination (especially during menstruation)
• Trouble getting pregnant 

It’s also possible to have endometriosis without obvious symptoms, which is why getting a proper diagnosis is so important. 

When pelvic pain isn’t just cramps 

It’s normal to feel some cramping during your period, but endometriosis pain is usually more intense and persistent. 

You might notice: 

• Pain that interferes with daily activities 
• Pelvic pain that lingers between periods, not just during menstruation
• Pain that worsens over time, especially with each cycle 

Endometriosis pain is often described as deep, stabbing, or burning. If you’re planning your life around your pain, it’s time to investigate further. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed? 

Because symptoms vary so widely, diagnosing endometriosis can be tricky. Our team typically begins with a thorough discussion of your medical history and symptoms. 

Then, we may recommend a pelvic exam to check for tenderness or abnormalities, or an ultrasound to rule out other conditions.

Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, is currently the only diagnostic study used to confirm endometriosis. Your treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms and your future fertility plans. Notably, endometriosis is a common cause of infertility.

What are your treatment options? 

There’s no cure for endometriosis, but there are many effective ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Treatment for endometriosis can include hormonal therapies, pain relief medications, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive surgery to remove endometrial tissue. Every treatment approach is personalized. 

Living with pain doesn’t have to be your norm. Don’t wait to get help. Call Advanced Women's Health Care of Waxahachie at 469-620-7972 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment with us today!