Endometriosis Treatment

We offer specialized care and proven treatments that reduce pain, improve fertility, and restore the health and well-being of our endometriosis patients, including excision surgery, considered the gold standard in endometriosis treatment.

Treatment strategies include:

• Pain medication
• Hormone therapies
• Surgery, using the latest minimally invasive techniques for faster, easier recovery

Our endometriosis specialists work closely with each patient to develop a treatment strategy based on their unique symptoms and personal preferences.

Medical Treatments

Our approach to treatment is conservative – we treat endometriosis patients medically whenever possible to avoid surgery. Medical treatments include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prescription pain medications, and hormone therapies.

Hormone therapies are used to control or prevent the patient’s menstrual cycle, which can help alleviate pain, shrink endometrial tissue, and slow or prevent new growth. These suppression medications may be used before and after surgery.

Surgical Treatments

When surgery is required, the procedure may be performed robotically or laparoscopically, a minimally invasive approach, or through traditional abdominal surgery, if necessary. Surgical options for endometriosis include:

• Excision surgery. The preferred treatment for endometriosis is robotic or laparoscopic excision surgery. In this highly advanced procedure, the skilled surgeon cuts out the endometriosis tissue while carefully preserving the organs and nearby structures impacted by the disease. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons are sought after for their expertise in performing these meticulous procedures.
• A hysterectomy (with excision of endometriosis, with or without removal of ovaries). Surgery to remove the uterus may be an option in severely painful cases of adenomyosis, where the endometriosis has grown into the uterine wall and isn’t responding to nonsurgical treatments. For women of reproductive age, this is a last resort. Following the procedure, hormonal treatment may be necessary if both ovaries are also removed.

We partner with a broad range of specialists to ensure our patients receive the care they need for all areas of their health affected by endometriosis.

Our multifaceted team for comprehensive endometriosis care includes:

• Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) – for shorter recovery times, and less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgery
• Reproductive endocrinology and infertility – for evidence-based fertility treatments and hormone therapy
• Urogynecology – for specialized care of urinary tract issues caused by endometriosis
• Urologic and colorectal surgeons – for treatment of endometriosis involving the bowel, bladder and ureter
• The Menopause Center – for specialized care of early onset menopause
• Reproductive psychiatry – to lessen the pain, anxiety and depression caused by endometriosis
• Pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) – to strengthen pelvic muscles, improve function and reduce pelvic pain caused by endometriosis
• Pediatric and adolescent gynecologists – for unique expertise in the care and treatment of young patients (under 21)

• Improved surgical outcomes – through a coordinated approach to endometriosis surgery that addresses all organs impacted by the disease
• Reduced pelvic pain and stronger pelvic floor muscles – through pelvic floor physical therapy   
• Improved mental health – through reproductive psychiatrists experienced in the treatment of endometriosis patients
• Improved sexual health – through experts in addressing sexual dysfunction caused by endometriosis, including pain with intercourse
• Relief from menopause symptoms brought on by endometriosis treatment – through board-certified menopause specialists
• Expert fertility services – through the Family Fertility Center, including the most advanced treatments and technologies available today to help endometriosis patients conceive

We understand the pain of endometriosis and the urgent need for relief. Immediate openings are available. Call 832-826-7500 to schedule an appointment.

To make a referral, visit the Baylor College of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology referral page.