Endometriosis Specialist

Alexandra Pellicena, MD, FACOG Our Services Endometriosis
Alexandra Pellicena, MD, FACOG - - OB-GYN

Alexandra Pellicena, MD, FACOG

OB-GYN located in Houston, TX

If you have endometriosis, you are not alone. Endometriosis can range from inconvenient to life-altering, and over 175 million women worldwide are working diligently to manage the disease alongside you. Finding a doctor who has successfully treated endometriosis for hundreds of women can bring you both comfort and the outcome you so desire. Contact experienced OB/GYN, Dr. Alexandra Pellicena, at her clinic by the same name in Houston, Texas, for your consultation and customized treatment plan today.

Endometriosis Q & A

What is endometriosis?

In women who suffer from endometriosis, endometrial tissue -- the tissue that lines the uterus -- builds up in other parts of the body. Endometriosis most commonly affects the abdominal cavity and organs and structures in that area of the body. Endometriosis only affects women.

How common is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is common, impacting over 175 million women worldwide and causing problems with fertility in 30-40% of those women.

What causes endometriosis?

Although the causes of endometriosis are unknown, scientists have several theories. Most scientists agree that estrogen contributes to the development of the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of endometriosis?

Most women visit their doctor due to pelvic pain, the most common symptom of endometriosis.

This pelvic pain often occurs during ovulation, menstruation, or during or after sexual intercourse. Also, some women experience fatigue and infertility associated with endometriosis.

Other theories suggest that cell changes during embryo stage cause endometriosis later in life, that genetic disposition plays a role, or that backflow or menstrual tissue contribute to the disease.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis is often diagnosed based on signs and symptoms alone. In some cases, confirmation is necessary.

The only way to confirm that your signs and symptoms are the results of endometriosis is through a laparoscopic exploratory procedure. While this method is surgical, it’s minimally-invasive, and the recovery is more comfortable than that after open surgery.

Who treats endometriosis?

OB/GYNs specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases impacting women and the female reproductive system, making them the ideal choice for endometriosis treatment. Dr. Pellicena treats both endometriosis and associated infertility.

What treatment is available for endometriosis?

There is no cure for endometriosis, but many treatments are successful in alleviating the symptoms and preventing complications. Possible treatments for your endometriosis include:

  • Oral hormonal contraception
  • Progestins or progesterone
  • Danazol
  • Mirena (IUD)
  • GnRH-analogues
  • Laparoscopic surgery
  • Hysterectomy

Only an experienced OB/GYN can determine the most effective treatment for you, and in many cases, it takes a few attempts to get the treatment or dose right. Surgery is advisable when more conservative therapies have failed to yield results.

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