Your pain is real, and relief is possible.
Endometriosis is a common condition that can cause painful periods, pelvic pain and trouble getting pregnant. Too many women are told their pain is normal. We listen, look for answers and build a treatment plan around your life and goals.
- How common About 1 in 10 women
- Main symptom Painful periods and pelvic pain
- Diagnosis Your symptoms, an exam and imaging
- Treatment Medicine, surgery or both
Understanding what’s happening in your body
Endometriosis can affect anyone who has periods, from teens to women in their 40s. Symptoms vary widely. Some women have severe pain with mild endometriosis, while others have few symptoms at all.
Where it grows
Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the lining of the pelvis.
Why it hurts
This tissue reacts to your monthly hormones, causing inflammation, pain and sometimes scar tissue that can bind organs together.
More than bad cramps
Period pain that keeps you from work, school or daily life is not something you should have to live with.
Signs of endometriosis
Endometriosis looks different for everyone. If any of these sound familiar, you deserve to be heard.
- Very painful periods Cramps that get worse over time or don’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Pelvic pain between periods Ongoing pain in your lower belly, pelvis or lower back.
- Pain during or after sex Deep pain that can last for hours or days.
- Painful bowel movements or urination Especially during your period.
- Heavy or irregular bleeding Heavy periods or spotting between periods.
- Trouble getting pregnant Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility, and it can be treated.
- Fatigue Feeling worn out, especially around your period.
- Bloating or nausea Often worse during your period.
Your visit, step by step
Getting answers starts with a conversation. We’ll explain each step and make sure you feel comfortable throughout.
Talk
We listen to your symptoms, your periods, how pain affects your life and what you’ve already tried.
Exam
A gentle pelvic exam to check for tenderness, cysts or other changes. We’ll go at your pace.
Imaging
A transvaginal ultrasound to look at your uterus and ovaries. An MRI is sometimes recommended.
Your plan
We often start treatment based on your symptoms. Surgery may be recommended to confirm and treat.
Before your visit
A little preparation helps us understand your symptoms faster.
- Track your periods Note when they start, how long they last and how heavy they are.
- Keep a pain diary Where it hurts, when, and how bad it is on a scale of 1 to 10.
- List what you’ve tried Pain relievers, birth control and anything else, and how well it worked.
- Bring your questions And your goals, such as less pain or planning a pregnancy.
A plan that fits your symptoms and goals
There are many ways to treat endometriosis. The right choice depends on how severe your symptoms are, your age and whether you want to get pregnant now or in the future.
Pain relievers
First step
- Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Work best when started a day or two before your period
- Often combined with hormonal treatment
Birth control
Hormonal treatment
- Pills, the patch or the ring can lighten periods and ease pain
- Can be taken continuously to skip periods
- A common first treatment for many women
Progestin therapy
Hormonal treatment
- A hormonal IUD, implant, shot or daily pill
- Can slow the growth of endometriosis
- Often lightens or stops periods
GnRH medicines
For harder-to-treat pain
- Lower estrogen levels to calm endometriosis
- Taken as a daily pill or a shot
- Usually paired with add-back therapy to protect your bones and ease side effects
Surgery
Laparoscopy
- A minimally invasive surgery through small incisions
- Can confirm the diagnosis and remove endometriosis
- A hysterectomy may be discussed for severe cases when other treatments haven’t helped
Everyday relief
Supportive care
- Heat, gentle exercise and rest during flare-ups
- Pelvic floor physical therapy for pain and tight muscles
- Counseling and support, because chronic pain is hard
Your provider will talk with you about the benefits and side effects of each option, and adjust your plan over time.
Planning a pregnancy with endometriosis.
Endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant, but it doesn’t mean you can’t. Planning ahead gives you the most options.
Let us know if:
- You’re thinking about getting pregnant soon
- You’ve been trying for 6 months or more
- Your pain is getting worse while trying
Many women get pregnant
Most women with endometriosis are able to get pregnant, some on their own and some with help.
- Talk to us Before you start trying, so we can plan together
Surgery can help
Removing endometriosis and scar tissue may improve the chances of pregnancy for some women.
- We’ll discuss Whether surgery makes sense for you
Fertility treatment
If pregnancy doesn’t happen, fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF can help.
- We’ll guide you And refer you to a fertility specialist when needed
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.
Are painful periods normal?
Mild cramps are common. Pain that keeps you from work, school or your usual activities, or that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain relievers, is not normal and is worth checking.
Is endometriosis cancer?
No. Endometriosis is not cancer. It is a long-term condition that can be managed with the right care.
Can endometriosis be cured?
There is no cure yet, but treatment can greatly reduce pain and other symptoms. Symptoms often improve after menopause.
Do I need surgery to be diagnosed?
Not always. Surgery is the only way to confirm endometriosis for certain, but we can often diagnose it based on your symptoms, exam and imaging, and start treatment right away.
Will a hysterectomy cure endometriosis?
Not always. Endometriosis grows outside the uterus, so symptoms can continue or return if any endometriosis tissue remains. It is usually considered only when other treatments haven’t helped.
Can teenagers have endometriosis?
Yes. Symptoms can start with the first period. If your teen misses school because of period pain, it’s a good reason to see us.
Does endometriosis run in families?
It can. You are more likely to have endometriosis if your mother or sister has it. Let us know about your family history.
You don’t have to live with the pain.
Call us to schedule a visit and start finding relief. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
Visit Us
Contact & Location
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Phone
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Fax
770-451-3343
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Email
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Hours
Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30