Endometriosis Specialist
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Barry J Fish, MD
OBGYN located in Fairlawn, OH
One in 10 women in the United States suffers with the symptoms of endometriosis -- often in silence. The pain and confusion this disease causes can make it difficult for you to go to work or take care of the important things in your life. At his Fairlawn, Ohio, OB/GYN practice, Dr. Barry Fish offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis to relieve pain and restore your quality of life. You can expect flexible scheduling options and efficient communication through the patient portal. Schedule an appointment online or by phone to learn more about your endometriosis treatment options.
Endometriosis Q & A
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterus. The excess tissue can develop on parts of your reproductive organs, including your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the spaces between your bladder and vagina.
Women in their reproductive years are prone to developing endometriosis, but the condition can also be an issue for younger girls after they start their periods.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Painful cramps
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Pain during sex
- Longer than usual periods
- Urinary and bowel disorders
Endometriosis can also cause infertility and difficulties in getting pregnant..
As the symptoms of the condition can mimic other issues, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed. Women often dismiss their symptoms as the normal part of menstruation and continue to suffer through the pain and heavy periods, not realizing there are treatments available.
How is endometriosis treated?
There is no cure for endometriosis. Dr. Fish can review your symptoms and perform a minimally invasive procedure known as a diagnostic laparoscopy to identify abnormal tissue growth.
If he detects endometriosis, he creates a custom treatment plan with the goal of alleviating your pain, heavy bleeding, and other endometriosis-related symptoms. Initially, he may recommend hormonal birth control pills to help shrink endometrial tissue. If this treatment isn’t effective or you can’t tolerate hormones, Dr. Fish may suggest surgical alternatives.
What surgical options are available for endometriosis?
Surgical treatment usually involves laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Fish uses a slender instrument fitted with a miniature camera. The camera transmits images of your internal structures to an external monitor, giving Dr. Fish a close-up view of the excess tissue. He uses precise surgical tools to remove the tissue without damaging nearby structures. Laparoscopic surgery allows for more precision and effective removal of the tissue than other types of surgery.
In severe cases of endometriosis, Dr. Fish may recommend a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and excess growth of tissue. This option is usually a last resort and only for women who are certain they are done having children.
Dr. Fish can discuss which treatment is right for you based on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history.
To learn more about your treatment options for reducing pain and other symptoms of endometriosis, schedule an appointment online or by phone.
As the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, the human papillomavirus (HPV) affects over 79 million Americans and is a concern for all sexually active women. HPV can have long-term health consequences, including increased risk for cervical cancer. Dr. Barry Fish and his experienced staff offer accurate HPV screenings and treatment options at his Fairlawn, Ohio, OB/GYN practice to reduce your risk for HPV-related complications. For more information on HPV prevention and testing, schedule an appointment online or by phone.
