Endometriosis Specialist
Parisa Pourzand, M.D.
OB/GYN located in Glendale, CA, Burbank, CA, & Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA
Endometriosis is among the most distressing and painful women’s health disorders. Dr. Parisa Pourzand understands the frustrations inherent in getting the proper diagnosis and navigating endometriosis treatment options and is a valued resource for the women in the greater Glendale, Burbank, and Beverly Hills, California area. If you suspect you may have endometriosis, book an appointment with at Parisa Pourzand, M.D. Inc. today to begin a path toward relief. Online scheduling makes it easy to find an appointment time that fits your busy lifestyle, or you can call the office to book your visit.
Endometriosis Q & A
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue lining your uterus, called your endometrium, begins to grow outside of your uterus. That abnormal tissue growth can affect your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue inside your pelvic region. In some extreme cases, endometrial tissue can grow in tissues other than your reproductive organs.
Your endometrium normally goes through a cycle each month, thickening before breaking down and bleeding during menstruation. If you have endometriosis, the endometrial tissue outside of your uterus goes through that same cycle, which can produce an enormous amount of pain.
Your uterus is designed to allow your endometrial tissue to exit your body through menstruation. If you have endometriosis, the abnormal tissue becomes trapped, causing irritation, scarring, and abnormal pelvic adhesions.
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you might have endometriosis:
- Painful periods
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination or bowel movements
- Heavy bleeding
- Infertility
Endometriosis is not a subtle disorder, and there’s little chance you could have it without noticing. That said, many women suffer through heavy bleeding and pelvic pain in the belief that these experiences are simply part of being a woman. There’s no need to live with ongoing discomfort or the inconvenience of heavy bleeding when treatment is available.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a pelvic exam to check for abnormalities. Imaging tools like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, can also give Dr. Pourzand more information about what’s causing your symptoms.
Laparoscopy is another diagnostic tool that gives Dr. Pourzand the ability to “see” your reproductive organs. The process involves using a laparoscope, an incredibly thin medical device equipped with a light and camera. Several small incisions are all that’s needed to guide the laparoscope to the proper locations, and a tissue sample can be obtained during the procedure.
How is endometriosis treated?
Treatment is tailored to meet your specific needs, and could include a combination of the following:
- Pain medication
- Hormone therapy
- Conservative surgery that preserves your reproductive organs
- Hysterectomy to remove your uterus and possibly your ovaries
If you’re tired of living with ongoing pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pourzand to explore diagnostic and treatment options.