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Endometriosis services offered in Boca Raton, Boca Raton, FL
You're not alone if you struggle with the pain of endometriosis. This gynecological condition affects more than 11% of women between the ages of 15-44, sometimes causing debilitating pain. At National Wellness Group, Marina Yuabova, DNP, FNP, helps women across the country overcome their discomfort with natural approaches such as bio-identical hormone replacement and nutritional guidance. If you need to find relief from endometriosis, call the office in Boca Raton, Florida, or book an appointment online today.
Endometriosis Q & A
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissues like those usually lining the inside of your uterus grow outside the uterine cavity. The tissues outside your uterus, called endometrial implants, develop on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the outer uterine wall.
Though not as common, endometrial implants can also grow on your bladder, intestines, and the tissues lining your pelvis. In rare cases, endometrial tissues leave the pelvic area and affect other organs in your abdomen.
How does endometriosis affect my health?
The lining inside your uterus, the endometrium, responds to your monthly hormone cycles. As a result, the endometrium thickens to support a fertilized egg, and, if you don't get pregnant, the lining sheds during your menstrual period.
The endometrial implants outside your uterus also respond to the same hormones. They thicken with blood and shed, but the fluids can't flow out, so they stay trapped in the pelvic area.
As a result, inflammation, scarring, and adhesions develop on the nearby organs. Adhesions consist of abnormal bands of scar tissue that make organs stick together.
What symptoms develop due to endometriosis?
Pelvic pain is the primary symptom of endometriosis. You may experience:
- Severe pain before and during your periods
- Pain after sexual intercourse
- Discomfort when urinating
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- Lower back pain
Endometriosis also causes infertility. An estimated 30-50% of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Dr. Yuabova learns about your symptoms, does a thorough pelvic exam, and performs a diagnostic ultrasound to get images of your reproductive organs. She may also run lab work to test your hormone levels.
Endometriosis has four stages based on the size, number, depth, and location of your endometrial implants and their associated lesions (wounds). Determining the stage helps guide your treatment.
How is endometriosis treated?
National Wellness Group understands that managing endometriosis presents a challenge. In conventional medicine, treatment for endometriosis involves medications and surgery.
Dr. Yuabova takes a natural approach using hormone optimization and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Hormone therapy regulates the monthly hormonal changes that promote the tissue growth associated with endometriosis.
Your treatment also includes nutritional guidance. The foods you eat can ease your symptoms by reducing inflammation and relaxing your muscles.
If you need relief from endometriosis pain, call National Wellness Group or book an appointment online today.