Division of Gynecology
The Division of Gynecology offers compassionate, comprehensive patient care, advanced education and training programs, and unique research opportunities.
Endometriosis
Trusted care for a common pelvic pain disorder
Comprehensive Care for Endometriosis
The Endometriosis specialists at Lahey Clinic collaborate to diagnosis and treat endometriosis. As a Center of Excellence in Endometriosis Care, we strive to provide exceptional interdisciplinary, patient centered Care.
Our team includes specialists from Gynecology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, Colorectal Surgery, Pain Psychology and Radiology. From physical therapy and medical treatment to minimally invasive surgery, we can develop a custom plan to minimize your symptoms.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis causes uterine-like tissue to grow outside the uterus (womb). It responds to changes in estrogen, a female hormone. It can cause the surrounding tissue to become irritated, inflamed and swollen. This can lead to scarring and adhesions that can cause pain, especially before and during your period.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
While many women have no symptoms or only mild discomfort, some women have more significant symptoms of endometriosis such as:
- Fertility challenges
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Pain while urinating or having a bowel movement
- Severe pelvic pain
The most common symptom of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain.
More About Endometriosis
Specialized Diagnostic Services
Your gynecologist may use a mix of these tests to diagnose your condition and plan your care:
- Laparoscopy (allows the surgeon to view inside your abdomen to look for endometrial tissue outside the uterus)
- Endometriosis protocol MRI
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
Treatments We Offer
Our team works together to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and preferences. Treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and improving your long-term well-being.
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your long-term goals, including whether you hope to become pregnant. Your team develops a comprehensive treatment plan that may include these and other steps:
- Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture or mindfulness training
- Hormonal and non-hormonal medications
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to diagnose and remove endometrial tissue while preserving the uterus and ovaries. Endometriosis surgery is different for every patient depending on where and how much diseased tissue is found. Types of surgical procedures:
- Excision of endometriosis lesions
- Complete peritonectomy (removal of the lining of the pelvis)
- Ovarian Cystectomy for Endometrioma
- Bowel Surgery (Shaving, Discoid excision, Low Anterior Resection of bowel)
- Bladder excision
- Other minimally invasive surgeries to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) and/or the ovaries (oophorectomy), if necessary
Hormone therapy helps slow the growth of endometrial tissue. It can be used to treat symptoms suspected of being from endometriosis or in combination with surgery.
Compassionate Multidisciplinary Care
When endometriosis is suspected or confirmed, treatment plans span both medical and surgical management. As a Center of Excellence in Endometriosis Care, our gynecology team has experts in both surgical and medical management. We also know that patients with endometriosis commonly suffer from other conditions such as IBS, interstitial cystitis and myofascial pain. Our partners across specialties work hard to create collaborative treatment plans.
Diagnostic testing sometimes shows that endometriosis involves multiple organs. When surgery is being planned, our team of surgeons across specialties meet at the Endometriosis Multidisciplinary Surgical Planning Conference to optimize your surgical plan.
After surgery, our team of medical and physical therapy experts are available to continue to care for you.
Additional Services
Your gynecology team coordinates your care with other specialty providers throughout our medical center. This ensures you receive comprehensive, streamlined care.
