Endometriosis Treatment in Houston, TX
From Symptom Relief
to Pregnancy
- REI Board-Certified Since 1994
- Pain Relief and Fertility Care in One Practice
- Individualized Plans for All Types of Endometriosis
- Se Habla Español
Why Houston Patients Choose Dr. Kristiansen
Endometriosis often requires sustained, sequenced care over time. The doctor you choose needs to handle both symptoms and fertility effects without making you pick between one or the other. Three things put Houston Fertility Center in a different category.
"They made our dreams come true."
"Dr. Kristansion and her staff made our dreams of having another child come true. She is not affiliated with ‘big name’ fertility centers and runs her office privately, based on years and years of knowledge and experience. I never, ever felt like a number. She is smart, methodical and brings science to the table when making decisions. From her embryologist, to her nurses and office staff…. I could not recommend her more. I am forever grateful to their team." —Mindy, 5-Star Review
Fertility Care for Endometriosis Patients
Endometriosis can affect fertility even without obvious symptoms. At Houston Fertility Center, we tailor your treatment to relieve pain and to help you conceive. Whether through medication, IVF, or bypassing tubal issues, we have options to help you achieve pregnancy and complete your family.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue looks and acts like endometrial tissue, and can spread to your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis, irritating the structures it touches.
In a healthy uterus, the uterine tissue thickens throughout the menstrual cycle and then breaks down and exits during menstruation. When tissue develops outside the uterus, it can't be shed monthly through menstruation, causing uncomfortable symptoms.
In the United States, an estimated 2% to 10% of women ages 25 to 40 are affected by endometriosis. The condition typically develops several years after beginning menstruation, but the symptoms can be debilitating for people of all ages.
What Causes Endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis has not been proven. However, there are certain theories about what may cause the condition. Some of these theories include:
Retrograde Menstruation
This occurs when menstrual blood flows back into the fallopian tubes. Instead of exiting the body, this blood containing endometrial cells goes into the pelvic cavity.
Surgical Scar Implantation
Some doctors believe that endometrial cells may attach to the surgical incision following a hysterectomy, C-section, or other surgery.
Immune System Disorder
In some cases, doctors believe immune system disorders may leave the body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial tissues that grow outside of the uterus.
Other Causes
Other potential causes include embryonic cell transformation, transformation of peritoneal cells, and endometrial cell transport.
Endometriosis Treatment
Can Improve Your Fertility
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that patients seek advanced infertility treatments from someone who is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI), like Dr. Sonja Kristiansen. Our doctor has treatment options for patients who wish to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, as well as options for patients who want to become pregnant. She can help prevent complications and improve your chances of having a safe pregnancy and smooth delivery.
"I love this place the nurses definitely put alot of definition into this clinic. Without them and their kindness I probably wouldn't have made it mentally. Anytime I had a question they answered whether through phone call or email. It was the best!" —Celeste, 5-Star Review
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Because the symptoms of endometriosis can be nonexistent or mistaken for other conditions, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), it is often misdiagnosed.
To get an accurate diagnosis you should:
Discuss Your Symptoms
When meeting with your gynecologist during routine exams, it is important to review any symptoms you may be experiencing to ensure a proper diagnosis. Your gynecologist may refer you to a specialist like Dr. Kristiansen in Houston if they believe you may have endometriosis.
Undergo Transvaginal Ultrasound
If Dr. Kristiansen suspects endometriosis, she will perform a transvaginal ultrasound to view the inside of your uterus and ovaries. During testing, Dr. Kristiansen will insert a small device called a transducer into your vagina. This tool uses high-frequency soundwave technology to capture images and display them on a nearby computer screen. These scans can be used to identify any uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts causing complications.
Receive Laparoscopy Evaluation
If further testing is required, our Houston doctor may recommend an advanced laparoscopy evaluation. This procedure involves the use of a special camera inserted through a small abdominal incision, which will allow her to determine the location, size, and extent of the endometrial growth. Removal of the endometrial tissue can sometimes occur during this procedure.
Understanding the Stages of Endometriosis
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has outlined four stages of endometriosis, depending on the spread of the endometrial-type tissue, its depth, and the areas that are being affected. Depending on your stage, your treatment options may be different. Your condition can be ranked as follows:
Endometriosis isn't always a progressive condition that moves from one stage to the next. Additionally, some patients may stay in one stage, even if they don't seek treatment.
“I rate this clinic excellent and 100%. I recommend Dr. Kristiansen and her team, they are professionals, thanks to their help, we enjoy life with our little princess.”
Eva, 5-Star Review
Why Endometriosis Causes Infertility
Though it's not completely understood how endometriosis causes infertility, doctors have come up with a few hypotheses. They believe endometriosis can lead to a variety of conditions that can cause infertility, such as:
- Distorted pelvis
- Adhesions
- Scarred or obstructed fallopian tubes
- Inflammation
- Altered egg quality
- Damaged sperm or eggs
- Impaired implantation
You're Not Alone Conceiving With Endometriosis
If you have endometriosis, conceiving may be more difficult, but you have options that can improve your chances of getting pregnant. Dr. Sonja Kristiansen in Houston, TX, can allow you to explore these options and make your dreams of being a parent a reality.
"I love this place and Dr. K has a high success rate. This is why I initially went to her clinic. They don't treat you like a business but it's very personal. I was successful on my first IVF attempt and had a healthy baby girl. I will be using her for my next baby when I'm able. Highly recommended." —Vicky, 5-Star Review
Assisted Fertility Options
Assisted fertility options are available to patients in Houston, TX, and beyond who are struggling with infertility.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
During this procedure, sperm are placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. IUI is usually the first assisted fertility option endometriosis patients try because it is less invasive.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a procedure in which eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized in a lab. An embryo is then transferred into the uterus. If you have severe endometriosis, you may benefit from IVF.
What About Surrogacy?
For many patients, the goal is to conceive and carry a pregnancy. However, sometimes that goal proves out of reach, or it is simply not the best course of action for a patient. In these cases, gestational surrogacy can be a great way for patients to have a biological child of their own.
During gestational surrogacy, eggs are retrieved from the intended mother and fertilized with sperm from the intended father. The resulting embryo or embryos are then transferred to the gestational carrier's (surrogate's) uterus, where the embryo is given the opportunity to grow. The surrogate will continue the pregnancy and deliver the baby.
The baby is biologically related to the intended mother and father, unless donor eggs and sperm are used. In gestational surrogacy the baby is in no way related to the surrogate. Traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate has a biological link to the baby) is also an option; however, most patients opt for gestational surrogacy as there are fewer legal restrictions.
While we understand surrogacy may not be your first choice, Dr. Kristiansen may suggest surrogacy if other reproductive methods have failed or if you have other concerns that may hinder conception or make pregnancy unsafe for the mother.
Our Treatment Options for
Endometriosis in Houston
Treatment for endometriosis at our Houston clinic depends on the severity of your condition and whether you wish to become pregnant. Doctors typically recommend more conservative methods first, but may resort to surgical methods if treatment fails. Your treatment options include:
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medication taken during the menstrual cycle may be enough to alleviate the symptoms associated with mild endometriosis, like pelvic pain. This may be used in combination with hormone therapy like birth control in patients who aren't trying to get pregnant.
Birth Control
Endometriosis requires estrogen to develop. Birth control pills, patches, intrauterine devices, and vaginal rings that lower or block estrogen can help manage the condition.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormones (GnRH)
GnRH therapy can lower estrogen levels and prevent menstruation, causing endometrial tissue to shrink. It can also reduce pelvic discomfort.
Surgery
A doctor can remove endometrial tissue while preserving your uterus and ovaries to alleviate your symptoms and increase your chances of conceiving if you have mild to moderate endometriosis. Most surgical procedures can be performed by laparoscopy, during which our doctor will make small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope, a viewing instrument. Our doctor can then remove endometrial tissue through the incisions.
Hysterectomy
The removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and sometimes the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (oophorectomy) won't completely cure endometriosis, but it can alleviate the symptoms. This method is used as a last resort.
Treatment is highly individualized for each patient, and a combination of treatments may be used. Requesting a consultation with Dr. Kristiansen in Houston will allow you to explore your options.
Isn't Surgery the Best Option?
Not necessarily. Even laparoscopy involves some recovery time and risk, despite being less invasive than traditional open surgery. Surgery also is not a guarantee that your endometriosis will be cured. In some cases, a small number of patients have experienced a reoccurrence of their endometriosis even after surgery. During your consultation, we will discuss your options in order to develop a custom treatment plan to give you the best possible chance at relieving your symptoms.
Dr. Sonja Kristiansen is board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Our doctor has treatment options for patients who wish to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, as well as options for patients who want to become pregnant.
Risk Factors for Endometriosis
Some factors may increase your chances of developing endometriosis, such as:
Starting your period at an early age
Having a first-degree relative with endometriosis
Having a low BMI
Having short menstrual cycles
Having heavy periods that last longer than seven days
Having higher levels of estrogen
Never giving birth
Going through menopause at an older age
Certain medical conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About Endometriosis Treatment in Houston
I have heard that pregnancy will cure endometriosis. Is that true?
Unfortunately, pregnancy does not cure endometriosis. However, it can sometimes improve symptoms because pregnancy temporarily stops menstruation and ovulation and causes changes in hormone levels. Some patients find they have decreased symptoms following pregnancy. However, pregnancy is not a guarantee your symptoms will improve long-term.
I have been pregnant before. Can I still have endometriosis?
Yes. It is entirely possible to have endometriosis even though you have been pregnant before. Endometriosis affects women differently. Some women with endometriosis may struggle to conceive or maintain a pregnancy, while others may not have fertility issues at all. It is also not uncommon for women with endometriosis who have been pregnant before to later struggle to conceive. We look at the big picture when diagnosing and treating endometriosis.
I had surgery to treat my endometriosis, but it has come back, and I am struggling to conceive. Can you still help me?
Yes. If your endometriosis symptoms have returned, our skilled fertility experts can evaluate you and determine a course of treatment to help alleviate your symptoms and help you build your family.
Have other questions about endometriosis or are you ready to speak with our fertility experts?
"We definitely recommend
Houston Fertility Center."
Why Houston Turns to Us
