Endometriosis Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions

At Elite Gynecology in New York City, many of the women who come to us with chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, or abnormal bleeding are surprised to learn they may have endometriosis.

This condition is common yet often misunderstood and can take years to diagnose without the right care.

So what exactly is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus starts growing outside the uterus. This tissue still reacts to your monthly cycle, meaning it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. But unlike your uterine lining, this tissue has nowhere to go. Over time, it can cause inflammation, pain, scar tissue, and other complications.

Understanding the Symptoms

For many patients, endometriosis feels like more than “just bad cramps.” Symptoms can vary but often include painful periods, discomfort during sex, pelvic pain that lingers outside your cycle, and heavy or irregular bleeding. Some women also experience fatigue or digestive symptoms like bloating or nausea.

If you’ve been told your pain is “normal” or dismissed in the past, we want you to know: what you’re feeling is valid and manageable with the right treatment plan.

What Causes It?

While the exact cause of endometriosis is still being studied, several factors may contribute. These include genetics, immune system issues, or what’s known as retrograde menstruation, when menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. Hormones, particularly estrogen, also play a key role in how endometriosis develops and progresses.

How We Diagnose Endometriosis

At Elite Gynecology, we take a comprehensive approach. Diagnosis often starts with a conversation about your symptoms, followed by a pelvic exam and imaging studies such as an ultrasound. In certain cases, a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and even treat the condition during the same procedure.

Treatment Options That Work

Treatment is personalized and depends on your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Our goal is always to relieve pain, manage progression, and improve your quality of life.

For some women, hormonal therapies—like birth control pills or IUDs—can help regulate or even stop periods, reducing inflammation and pain over time. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be useful for symptom relief.

When symptoms are more severe or unresponsive to medication, we may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue. This minimally invasive approach can offer significant relief with minimal recovery time.

Another advanced option we offer is uterine artery embolization (UAE). While commonly used for fibroids, in select cases it may be beneficial for treating endometriosis when bleeding is a significant symptom and the affected tissue is close to the uterus. Our providers will evaluate your individual case to determine if this is an appropriate path.