Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain. Symptoms may include severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, or difficulty conceiving.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we provide compassionate evaluation, advanced imaging, and personalized treatment, ranging from medication to minimally invasive surgery, to help patients find relief and protect long-term reproductive health.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Endometriosis often begins gradually, and symptoms may vary widely from person to person. Some experience worsening menstrual pain over time, while others seek help for chronic pelvic discomfort or fertility concerns.
During your initial visit at The Medical Group of New Jersey, your OB/GYN will take a comprehensive approach to understanding your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This may include:
- Timing, severity, and pattern of pelvic or menstrual pain
- Pain with sexual activity, bowel movements, or urination
- Symptoms that worsen during menstruation
- Fertility history and attempts to conceive
- Bloating, nausea, or GI symptoms that accompany cycles
- Prior pelvic infections, surgeries, or family history of endometriosis
A pelvic exam may help identify areas of tenderness, nodules, or pelvic floor tension.
Diagnosis & Risk Assessment
Although endometriosis cannot be definitively diagnosed without surgery, evaluation focuses on identifying patterns and ruling out other causes of pelvic pain.
Diagnostic Tools May Include:
- Pelvic Ultrasound: Evaluates for ovarian endometriomas (cysts caused by endometriosis) and screens for fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other pelvic abnormalities.
- MRI (when needed): Helps assess deep infiltrating endometriosis and clarifies the involvement of the surrounding organs.
- Laboratory Testing: May include tests for anemia or inflammation.
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery that confirms the diagnosis and allows the surgeon to remove or destroy endometriosis lesions during the same procedure.
Associated Conditions Screened
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Infertility
Your OB/GYN will review your findings in a clear and supportive manner, helping you understand how each result contributes to the diagnosis.
Treatment & Management
Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, life stage, and fertility goals. Many patients find significant relief with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, minimally invasive surgery.
Lifestyle & Symptom Support
Many patients benefit from:
- Heat therapy, stretching, and low-impact exercise
- Anti-inflammatory dietary approaches
- Pelvic floor physical therapy to address muscle tension and pain
- Stress reduction and sleep optimization
These strategies help reduce inflammation and improve daily comfort.
Medication Options
Your OB/GYN may recommend one or more of the following medications based on your specific needs:
Hormonal Therapies
These medications work by suppressing ovulation and reducing the activity of endometrial tissue.
- Combined hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring)
- Progestin-only options (IUD, pill, injection, or implant)
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or antagonists for severe symptoms
- Add-back therapy to reduce side effects from GnRH treatments
Pain Management
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medication for neuropathic pain if nerve involvement is suspected
Surgical Options
If symptoms persist despite medical therapy, or if infertility or deep infiltrating disease is present, surgery may be recommended.
Minimally Invasive Laparoscopy
- Confirms the diagnosis
- Removes or ablates endometriosis lesions
- Releases scar tissue
- Restores normal anatomy to improve fertility
In complex cases, your OB/GYN may coordinate your care with colorectal, urologic, or pelvic floor specialists.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and ongoing care helps maintain symptom relief and prevent recurrence. Your follow-up may include:
- Review of symptom patterns and menstrual changes
- Adjustment of hormonal therapy or medication dosing
- Post-operative visits if surgery was performed
- Fertility planning and cycle monitoring
- Collaboration with physical therapy, pain management, or reproductive endocrinology
While endometriosis cannot be permanently cured, most people experience significant improvement with the right combination of therapies.
Early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and consistent follow-up can reduce pain, protect fertility, and prevent long-term complications such as scarring or ovarian cyst formation.