What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the uterine lining, called the endometrium, grow outside the uterus on other organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or even the thoracic area of the lung. This displaced tissue continues to function as though it were inside the uterus, thickening, breaking down, and shedding with each cycle. This can cause excruciating periods while increasing PMS symptoms.

Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis

For women with endometriosis in NYC, pelvic pain can typically worsen before and after having a period. They may have tried several treatments to seek relief but continue to have regular flare-ups. Dr. Sonia Bahlani is among the most highly educated and experienced pelvic pain doctors in New York City, offering new hope to women who suffer from this painful condition.

Stages of endometriosis

Endometriosis is measured in various stages and types, reflecting the tissues' location, quantity, and depth outside the uterus.

Stage 1

The woman has only a few small implants (the tissue growing outside the uterus), wounds, or lesions, with minimal scar tissue, if any.

Stage 2

The number of implants growing outside the uterus is more profound, and some scar tissue may have developed.

Stage 3

The pelvic area has developed many deep implants, cysts have developed on one or both ovaries, and thick bands of scar tissue (adhesions) have developed.

Stage 4

In the most severe condition, in stage 4 endometriosis, the woman has many deep implants and adhesions, with large cysts present on both ovaries.

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Where does the tissue develop in the pelvic area?

The tissues associated with endometriosis can be located in several areas of the pelvis:

  • The peritoneum: The endometrial tissues attach to the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdomen, pelvis, and organs.
  • Ovaries: Fluid-filled cysts have developed on the ovaries, in various sizes, or in other pelvic areas.
  • DIE (deeply infiltrating endometriosis): The tissues associated with the condition have invaded within or outside the pelvic area and can be attached to the ovaries, bladder, bowels, or rectum. In the most extreme cases, the organs become stuck in place due to the extent of the tissue.
  • Abdominal wall: The tissues could develop on the abdominal wall or attach to an area of the abdomen with a surgical scar from a C-section or other surgery.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Some of the most common endometriosis symptoms include the following:

  • Extremely painful periods
  • Pain during or after sex
  • Infertility, if left untreated
  • Pain during urination and bowel movements
  • Excessive bleeding during or between periods
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating

Causes of Endometriosis in NYC

The exact cause is unknown; however, there are specific theories that have yet to be proved:

  • Retrograde menstruation: menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and attaches to the pelvic organs instead of exiting the body.
  • Embryonic cell transformation: during puberty, hormones like estrogen transform embryonic cells into endometrial cells.
  • Surgical scar implantation: endometrial cells attach to an incision site after surgeries like Cesarean section or hysterectomy.
  • Endometrial cell transport: the lymphatic system may flush endometrial cells to other body parts.
  • Immune system disorder: a compromised immune system may allow endometrial tissue to grow in abnormal places.
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Preventions and treatments

The pain associated with endometriosis can significantly compromise the quality of life. In most cases, the treatment will involve surgery or medication. If you are trying to get pregnant, our pelvic pain doctor will work with you to find another appropriate course of action. Treatment may include:

  • Medications to reduce chronic pain
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Surgery to remove endometriosis implants
  • Referral fertility treatments
  • Hysterectomy in cases of adenomyosis

Pelvic Pain Doc – A fresh approach to abdominal pain in NYC

Dr. Sonia Bahlani has focused her professional medical career on resolving pelvic pain. She offers advanced treatments for endometriosis in NYC at her boutique urology and gynecology practice, forging a positive patient-doctor relationship for a collaborative partnership. Additionally, Dr. Bahlani is fellowship-trained in sexual and pelvic health, which many doctors are not.

If you have struggled with endometriosis and are searching for answers, you will experience 5-star care from a thought leader and expert in resolving pelvic pain. She has access to the latest developments in treating endometriosis in New York, with many patients flying in from other cities and states for advanced care. Contact us today.

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