Endometriosis Services in Charlottesville, VA
Receive expert and compassionate care in a safe environment for your gynecological health.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These lesions can develop on pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, and pelvic lining, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain. They can also be found on the diaphragm, the lung cavity, and surgical scars.
It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue, gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms, and fertility challenges. Because symptoms vary widely from person to person, endometriosis is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Symptoms of endometriosis can vary in severity and may change over time. You may experience one or several of the following:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Fatigue or low energy
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Painful urination or bladder discomfort, especially during menstruation
- Lower back pain
- Painful bowel movements during menstruation
- Chest pain or shoulder pain during menstruation
If you are experiencing ongoing pelvic pain or symptoms that disrupt your daily life, evaluation by a specialist who can offer you medical as well as complete surgical treatment is recommended.
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
During your initial consultation, your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and often perform a pelvic examination. An endometriosis-focused vaginal ultrasound is also often performed to evaluate for signs of ovarian, bladder, or bowel involvement and to assist with treatment and surgical planning.
While imaging studies cannot rule out all endometriosis, they can provide valuable information about disease severity and location. The most definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is made through laparoscopy.
At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, we do not perform diagnostic laparoscopy alone. If laparoscopy is recommended, it is planned as a therapeutic procedure, with the goal of excising (removing) endometriosis at the time of surgery.
Treatment Services For Endometriosis
Treatment for endometriosis is highly individualized and depends on symptom severity, treatment goals, and reproductive plans. Our Charlottesville endometriosis specialists offer a full range of treatment options, including:
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) can help manage pain and discomfort. We try to avoid opioid pain medications for long-term use.
Hormonal medications may reduce symptoms by suppressing ovulation and menstrual cycles. Options may include:
- Estrogen/progestin or progestin-only birth control pills
- Hormonal IUDs
- Estrogen-suppressing medications
Minimally invasive laparoscopic excision surgery is the gold standard treatment for endometriosis. This approach allows for the precise removal of endometriosis lesions while preserving healthy tissue. Surgery may be recommended when symptoms are not controlled with medical therapy, medical therapy is not tolerated, or when infertility is a concern.
In select cases involving uterine-specific pain, adenomyosis, or severe disease, hysterectomy may be considered. When performed, it is always combined with excision of endometriosis, as removal of the uterus alone does not treat endometriosis outside the uterus.
Lifestyle and Supportive Therapies
Lifestyle modifications may help reduce inflammation and improve symptom control. These may include:
- Anti-inflammatory dietary changes
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Selected supplements under provider guidance
Your provider will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
During your visit, your provider will perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your symptoms, concerns, and goals. Additional imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be recommended.
If endometriosis is suspected, your provider will review all appropriate treatment options, including non-surgical and surgical approaches. You will receive clear explanations of the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Risks of Endometriosis Treatment?
As with any medical treatment, potential risks may include medication side effects, hormonal changes, or surgical risks such as infection or bleeding, which are uncommon. Fertility considerations and long-term outcomes will be discussed in detail prior to treatment.
Your safety, comfort, and long-term health are always our priority.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, provides compassionate, patient-centered care with a strong focus on endometriosis services in Charlottesville, including expert evaluation, individualized treatment plans, and minimally invasive laparoscopic excision of endometriosis when surgery is needed.
Our team also has specialized expertise in the non-surgical treatment of conditions that commonly accompany or overlap with endometriosis, such as chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, or bladder pain.
In addition to endometriosis care, the practice offers a full range of gynecologic services to support ongoing women’s health needs, including routine exams, Pap smears and cancer screening, contraception counseling and management, hormone therapy and menopausal care, and evaluation and treatment for conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.