Woman with pain from endometriosis

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause painful periods and make it difficult to conceive. It's a disorder that causes both physical and emotional pain.

Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, PC can create a custom treatment plan to provide relief and help you grow your family.

See how Stephanie L.F. Gustin, MD, in Omaha, NE, can help.

You're Not Alone

It is estimated that at least 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 are affected by endometriosis. Office on Women's Health

What Is Endometriosis?


Woman with Endometriosis Pain

Endometrial tissue grows inside the uterus and is shed each month during a woman's period. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. This may include areas of the abdominal cavity, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The endometrial tissue growing in these places will swell and bleed just like your endometrium, but since the tissue cannot easily exit your body, the results can be painful.

The condition can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Abnormal pelvic pain and cramping during periods
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Pain during urination
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Stomach problems like nausea and diarrhea

Because these symptoms are similar to side effects you may experience during your period, many cases of endometriosis go undiagnosed until a patient struggles with becoming pregnant.

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Infertility From Endometriosis

In addition to the uncomfortable symptoms endometriosis can cause, the disorder can also make women worry about infertility.

Endometrial growths can block the fallopian tubes, causing problems during fertilization. These growths can also damage the sperm or eggs or make it difficult for the sperm to access the egg. The condition can even trap blood in your ovaries, causing cysts. While it does not necessarily prevent pregnancy, endometriosis affects the reproductive organs and can make successful conception more difficult.

Although the symptoms of endometriosis typically subside after menopause, controlling your endometriosis now can improve your overall quality of life and your chances of pregnancy.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis

If you're trying to get pregnant but think you may have endometriosis, our doctors can perform a variety of tests to confirm diagnosis and treat it accordingly. Diagnosis and treatment may include these steps:

Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, PC is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care according to the highest medical standards with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.
Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, PC is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care according to the highest medical standards with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

​Physical Examination

To determine whether you have endometriosis, one of our doctors at our Omaha, NE, office can perform a physical involving a pelvic examination and imaging test.

If we determine that you have endometriosis or cysts caused by endometriosis, we can prescribe the appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition and pregnancy goals.

Medication

If the results of your pelvic exam and imaging test don't show signs of ovarian cysts, our doctors can prescribe medication that takes your fertility goals into consideration.

Medications like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can help patients who are trying to become pregnant by temporarily halting the menstrual cycle and controlling the development of endometriosis. Once you stop taking the medication, your menstrual cycle will return and you may have a better chance of conceiving.

Surgery

If hormonal medication is not providing you with relief, our doctors can perform either laparoscopic or traditional abdominal surgery to remove as much endometrial tissue as possible and keep your uterus and ovaries in good health.

By removing the growths, we can help you manage your condition without compromising your chances of becoming pregnant.

In Vitro Fertilization

Based on your results, our team can determine whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.

Let Us Help You Build Your Family

Controlling your endometriosis can improve your chances of pregnancy and your overall quality of life. Based on the severity of your condition, our doctors can recommend a treatment option that is right for you. To request an appointment, contact our Omaha, NE, office.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

While any woman or girl can develop endometriosis after puberty, you may have an increased risk of endometriosis if:

  • You have never had children
  • Women in your family have endometriosis
  • Your menstrual periods last longer than seven days
  • Your menstrual cycle is shorter than 27 days
  • You have been diagnosed with an immune disorder
  • You are in your 30s or 40s

"The absolute best experience."

1

MC Sweet

2020

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The journey of fertility is made clear, supportive, and lovely by the team at Heartland. I had the absolute best experience from the moment I began at Heartland. I met with Dr. Gustin, Dr. Maclin, and the nursing staff at the start. Everyone was welcoming and professional.

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1

Sara Cooper

2021

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Our family is beyond thankful for everything Heartland has done for us over the last 9 months. They have been such a blessing to us! Without them, we’d have likely given up on the dream of growing our family. We always felt heard, known, and always received the most thorough explanation of any and all treatments, lab work, and scans.

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Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine

Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine

Our board certified fertility specialists offer state-of-the-art fertility treatments. An open and inclusive environment, the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine can address different causes of infertility and help LGBTQ couples build loving families.

Contact our practice online or call us at (402) 717-4200 to schedule a consultation.

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