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Endometriosis

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Upper West Side in Manhattan, New York, NY
Endometriosis

Endometriosis services offered in Upper West Side in Manhattan, New York, NY


Endometriosis is a common and painful gynecological condition that significantly affects your quality of life. Jeffrey Yu, MD PC, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, specializes in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. To get help for your pelvic pain from a board-certified OB/GYN, call the New York City office or schedule a consultation online today.

Endometriosis Q&A

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease where the cells that originate in the lining of your uterus (endometrium) implant outside the uterine cavity, usually on the walls of the pelvis. The displaced endometrial cells act like the cells in the uterus.

During your menstrual cycle, the endometrium grows in anticipation of pregnancy and then sheds through menstruation when you don’t get pregnant. With endometriosis, the displaced cells grow and shed but have nowhere to go, causing inflammation, pelvic pain, and scarring.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Pain is the most common and problematic symptom of endometriosis. Some of the types of pain you may experience with this gynecological condition include:

  • Pain during menstruation that worsens over time
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain during bowel movements

Other symptoms include bleeding in between your period, infertility, and digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

There’s no single test for diagnosing endometriosis. Dr. Yu performs a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about pelvic pain to determine the underlying cause.

Dr. Yu reviews your symptoms, menstrual cycle, medical history, and gynecological history. He performs a physical and pelvic exam and does an ultrasound test to evaluate your reproductive organs and rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms.

Dr. Yu may prescribe medication to ease your pelvic pain and make a diagnosis if the medication works. The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis, however, is through a diagnostic laparoscopy.

During that procedure, Dr. Yu inserts a small tube with a light and camera (laparoscope) through a tiny incision in your abdomen to look at your pelvic organs and take samples of abnormal tissue. 

What are the treatments for endometriosis?

Dr. Yu customizes your endometriosis treatment plan based on your current and future pregnancy plans. If you’re not trying to get pregnant, he prescribes hormonal birth control that extends your menstrual cycle, so you have fewer periods. 

If you’re trying to get pregnant, Dr. Yu may prescribe a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, which temporarily stops your menstrual cycle and endometrial tissue growth. When your period returns, you may have an easier time getting pregnant.

If your endometriosis causes severe pain, Dr. Yu performs surgery to remove the endometrial growths.

To learn more about endometriosis and your treatment options, call the office of Jeffrey Yu, MD PC, or schedule an appointment online today.