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Endometriosis in Houston, TX

Endometriosis is a painful condition that can be treated with medications and surgery. At North Cypress Women’s Center, board-certified (gynecological) surgeon Dr. Farhina Imtiaz offers diagnostic, and treatment services for women with endometriosis who live in the Houston and surrounding areas of Texas, including Cypress, Sugarland, and Katy.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis describes a condition in which the lining of the uterus develops beyond the uterine walls and into the pelvic region, bowels, and ovaries. Uterine tissue is unique in that it naturally thickens before breaking down and causing bleeding. This is the process of menstruation. With endometriosis, even though the tissue is outside the uterus, it still thickens, breaks down and causes bleeding. Essentially a woman experiences the same pain and other symptoms of her period in areas outside the uterus. Additionally, the uterus is designed to eliminate the tissue from the body, but with endometriosis, the body has no path for eliminating the broken down tissue.

Endometriosis Treatment Benefits

Without treatment, endometriosis leads to:

  • Cysts known as endometriomas
  • Irritation of surrounding tissue which can result in chronic pain
  • Adhesions, bands of tissue that bind the internal organs
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Infertility

What Areas are Affected by Endometriosis?

Endometriosis involves an abnormality of the tissue in the uterus. The tissue may grow outside the uterus and affect the:

  • Pelvic area
  • Ovaries
  • Bowels

The uterine tissue grows beyond the pelvic area only in rare cases.

How is Treatment for Endometriosis Performed?

Treatment for endometriosis may depend on the root cause of the condition. Some of the most common reasons that women develop endometriosis are:

  • Scars from previous surgeries, specifically C-sections and hysterectomies
  • A condition known as “retrograde menstruation” in which blood containing endometrial cells flow backward into the fallopian tubes rather than exiting the body through the vagina
  • Endometrial cells being deposited by the lymphatic system
  • Endometrial tissue developing in the abdominal lining
  • Disorders of the immune system

Dr. Imtiaz will perform tests and examinations to determine if you may have endometriosis. Based on those findings, she may recommend medication as a first course of treatment. If medication does not resolve the condition or if her professional judgment indicates that medications will be ineffective, she may recommend:

Endometriosis Treatment Preparation

The symptoms of endometriosis are similar to those caused by other conditions that affect the pelvic area of a woman’s body. Dr. Imtiaz will perform tests and examinations to provide you with an accurate diagnosis before she recommends treatments. One or more of the following may be medically performed:

  • Pelvic examination to check the area for any abnormalities, such as scarring and cysts.
  • Laparoscopy that involves using a flexible tube that is equipped with a tiny camera. The tube is fed through a small incision that is made in an area where Dr. Imtiaz believes you may have excess uterine tissue based on your symptoms.
  • Ultrasound is a commonly used non-invasive test that is often used to help with gathering information about your pelvis without incisions.

Endometriosis Recovery

In many cases, endometriosis is successfully treated and managed for the life of the patient. Pregnancy will cause the tissue to temporarily stop developing outside the uterus. When you reach menopause, your body no longer develops the tissue that is related to endometriosis, so you should not have any symptoms unless you are taking estrogen therapy. Dr. Imtiaz recommends that you have routine gynecology examinations to monitor your body for any signs of new endometriosis symptoms or problems.

How Much Does Endometriosis Treatment Cost in Houston?

The diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis is considered medically necessary, so the services should be covered under your insurance. After Dr. Imtiaz determines what tests and treatments are needed, our patient coordinator will determine coverage under your medical plan. You may be responsible for a portion of the cost. Payment can be made by cash, major credit cards and CareCredit® financing.

Is Endometriosis Treatment Right for Me?

If you have unusual pain in your pelvic area or lower back, or abnormal bleeding, you may have endometriosis. The condition can worsen without treatment, so we recommend that you contact North Cypress Women’s Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Imtiaz.

Endometriosis Consultation

The symptoms of endometriosis can be frightening for any woman. You may not understand the symptoms or what is causing your discomfort. We encourage you to meet with Dr. Imtiaz for a personal consultation so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and professional guidance on your treatment options.

Endometriosis can affect a woman’s ovaries, pelvic area, and bowels. The pain can be quite significant and debilitating. If you live in Houston or the surrounding areas of Texas, including Cypress, Sugarland, and Katy, board-certified (gynecological) surgeon Dr. Farhina Imtiaz offers endometriosis treatments at North Cypress Women’s Center.

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