Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus — often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. It can mean months or years of pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, and questions that never quite get answered. If you have been told the pain is “just a bad period,” a visit with a gynecologist who treats endometriosis is a reasonable next step.
At OB/GYN Specialists of Tulsa (OGS Tulsa), our physicians evaluate endometriosis as part of everyday gynecologic care. We start with your history, your cycle, and your goals — pain control, fertility, or both — and we talk through medical and surgical options that fit that picture. Care is in Tulsa, at Bernsen Medical Plaza.
Symptoms we hear about most
Common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain that often worsens around menstruation
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain with bowel movements or urination around your period
- Fatigue
Some people with endometriosis have few or no symptoms. Other conditions can cause the same complaints. That is why we take a full history and exam rather than diagnosing from a symptom list alone.
How we evaluate endometriosis
Evaluation usually starts with a detailed history and a pelvic exam. Imaging such as pelvic ultrasound, and when useful MRI, can show cysts that look like endometriomas. Imaging does not always show all endometriosis.
Endometriosis and pregnancy
Endometriosis can be associated with difficulty conceiving. Many people with endometriosis do become pregnant, with or without treatment, depending on the situation.
We include fertility goals in the treatment discussion. When extra fertility care is needed, we can coordinate with Tulsa-area specialists.
Treatment options
The right plan depends on how severe symptoms are and whether you are trying to become pregnant.
Options often discussed include:
- Pain medicines your physician considers appropriate
- Hormonal therapies (for example some birth-control methods, progestin therapy, or other hormone-suppressing medicines) when pregnancy is not the immediate goal
- Surgery to remove or treat endometriosis implants, when that is the next step
Laparoscopy for endometriosis
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive operation done under anesthesia. A camera is placed through a small incision, usually near the navel, so the surgeon can see pelvic organs and treat endometriosis tissue when that is the plan. Many patients go home the same day.
After treatment
Endometriosis can return after medical treatment or surgery. Follow-up and, for some patients, longer-term hormonal management are part of keeping symptoms more manageable. Recurrence is individual; we do not quote a single rate on this page.
Care at OGS Tulsa
You should not have to argue that pelvic pain is real. Our physicians listen, examine, and discuss next steps, medical therapy, surgery, or watchful follow-up, in plain language. We see patients from the Tulsa metro and nearby communities.
Schedule a visit
- Request an appointment: ogstulsa.com/appointment
- Phone: (918) 712-8700
- Office: Bernsen Medical Plaza, 1919 S. Wheeling Ave., Suite 700, Tulsa, OK 74104
