Oct
Endometriosis is a common pelvic disorder that affects many women. Most often identified by very painful periods and cramping during the menstrual period, it can also cause pain during intercourse and while urinating or during bowel movements. It can also cause excessive bleeding during periods or between periods and is a frequently diagnosed in women who are having trouble conceiving.
Medically speaking, endometriosis is a disorder where the tissue that typically lines the interior of the uterus begins to grow on the outside of the uterus. The tissue begins to grow and thicken and can irritate the surrounding tissue in the pelvic region. It is typically suspected when a woman explains the symptoms of pain during intercourse, menstruation or bowel movements, or general pelvic pain to her physician. However, diagnosis can only be confirmed with surgery.
Occasionally, endometriosis can be treated with medication including over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain reliever medications along with hormone therapy, such as contraceptives, to reduce or eliminate the pain of endometriosis. If, after taking medication, the patient is still experiencing painful cramps and excessive bleeding, the gynecologist may suggest a minimally invasive surgery to remove as much of the endometriosis as possible. The surgery is performed carefully, especially for women who are trying to conceive, in order to not damage the uterus and ovaries. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically where the surgeon makes a very small incision in the abdomen and removes the endometriosis tissue.
It’s important to note that while the surgery is often immediately effective, the endometrial tissue often grows back. So it’s not a permanent solution. Women who have severe endometriosis and who are done having children may opt to have a hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix, as well as the ovaries if necessary, are removed. Hormone therapy may continue to be needed even after a hysterectomy as estrogen can cause the production of more endometrial tissue.
If you’re experiencing severe pain and excessive bleeding during your periods or between periods, you may be suffering from endometriosis. You don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort any longer, call Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine in Katy, TX, today to learn more about the condition and to schedule an appointment.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.