Endometriosis can cause painful periods, chronic pelvic pain and fertility concerns that disrupt daily life. Many women live with symptoms for years before getting answers. Endometriosis diagnosis and treatment can help identify the cause of your pain and create a plan for relief, healing and long-term wellness — close to home at Tanner Women's Care practices in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen and Wedowee serving west Georgia and east Alabama.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue can appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining or other areas.

Because this tissue reponds to hormones during the menstrual cycle, it can swell and bleed each month. Unlike a normal period, the blood and inflammation have nowhere to go, which can lead to pain, scar tissue and adhesions.

You may also hear endometriosis called:

• Endo
• Pelvic endometriosis 
• Endometrial-like tissue disorder

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility, and it often affects women during their reproductive years.

Do I need endometriosis treatment?

If you are wondering, "How do I know if I have endometriosis?" you are not alone. Symptoms can vary widely, and some women have severe pain while others have mild or no symptoms. 

You may want to see a women's health provider if you experience:

• Painful periods that interfere with work, school or daily life
• Chronic pelvic pain between periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during your period
• Difficulty getting pregnant or concerns about fertility
• Fatigue, bloating or nausea around your menstrual cycle

These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so an accurate endometriosis diagnosis is an important first step. Your Tanner Women's Care team can also help sort our overlapping concerns, such as endometriosis vs IBS, edometriosis bloating and pain during sex. 

What are my treatment options?

Endometriosis care often includes a combination of approaches. Your plan may depend on how severe your symptoms are and whether you are trying to become pregnant. 

Common endometriosis treatment options include:

• Lifestyle and supportive care
•  Anti-inflammatory diet changes
• Regular exercise and stress management
• Heat therapy for pelvic pain 
• Pelvic floor physical therapy  

Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief 
• Hormonal birth control ro reduce or stop periods
• Progestin therapy to slow endometriosis growth
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone medications in certain care

Minimally invasive procedures

If symptoms continue despite medication, your provider may recommend laparoscopy for endometriosis, a minimally invasive surgery used to confirm the diagnosis and remove endometriosis tissue.

Surgical treatment

For more advanced endometriosis, surgery may include:

• Removal of endometriosis implants
• Treatment of ovarian cysts called endometriosis
• Adhesion removal to improve pelvic function

Your care team will discuss benefits, risks and recovery in detail so you feel informed and supported, including guidance on endometriosis surgery recovery time and whether laparoscopy can relieve symptoms long-term.

Why choose Tanner Health for endometriosis care?

Living with pelvic pain can feel isolating, frustrating and exhausting. 

Women choose Tanner because we offer:

• Convenient care in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen and Wedowee
• Trusted OB/GYNs and women's health specialists
• Personalized treatment plans focused on symptom relief and wellness
• Minimally invasive options when appropriate 
• Whole-person support that addresses emotional health and quality of life

We believe you deserve answers, relief and a care team that listens.

Endometriosis Diagnosis and Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, heavy bleeding and fertility challenges.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis often begins with a detailed symptom history, pelvic exam and imaging. The only way to confirm endometriosis is through laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?
Yes. Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing inflammation, scarring or ovarian cysts. Many women with endometriosis still become pregnant with the right care.

Are there alternatives to surgery?
Yes. Many women manage symptoms with hormonal therapy, pain relief medications and lifestyle support. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or when fertility is a concern.

Is endometriosis the same as PCOS?
No. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are different conditions, though both can affect menstruation and fertility. A women's health provider can help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Will insurance cover this?
Most insurance plans cover evaluation and treatment for endometriosis, including office visits, imaging and medically necessary procedures. Coverage varies, so our team can help you understand your benefits.