UPMC Magee-Womens Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain

Do you have painful periods or constant pelvic pain — without knowing why or how to get relief?

One in every 10 women has endometriosis. That includes up to 80% of women who suffer constant pelvic pain.

Sadly, endometriosis often goes ignored or undiagnosed for years.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when cells that line the uterus grow on parts of the pelvis or abdomen. Doctors don't know why it happens or why its effects are so different from woman to woman.

It's a painful, lifelong condition in women ages 18 to 45 — even lasting past menopause.

Endometriosis can:

• Cause lesions.
• Damage internal organs.
• Even affect your ability to get pregnant.

It can also:

• Strain your ties with your partner, loved ones, and friends.
• Impact job performance.
• Cause emotional stress.

But the right treatment can help you manage your symptoms and regain your quality of life.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

• Chronic belly or pelvic pain.
• Pain during or after sex.
• Painful bowel movements or urination.
• Unusual fatigue, pelvic bloating, or nausea during your period.

Why Choose UPMC Magee-Womens for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain?

At the Magee-Womens Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain:

• You can share your symptoms in an open and welcoming setting with an expert team of caregivers.
• We'll help you learn the cause of your pain and how to self-advocate for better care.
• Our endometriosis specialists bring nearly 50 years of combined clinical practice and research insights to your care.
• Our experts in gynecology, mental health, and pelvic floor physical therapy offer the latest techniques and treatments.
• The whole care team will tailor medical and surgical treatment to your unique needs.

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Diagnosis and Treatments

Our endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain team:

• Offers complete and personalized care.
• Uses the most current and effective tools to diagnose and treat endometriosis.
• Tailors treatment to your symptoms, reproduction goals, and the stage of your disease.

Doctors can often diagnose endometriosis by taking a thorough history and asking about your symptoms. But to confirm a diagnosis, we'll take a tissue sample through minimally-invasive surgery.

Endometriosis and pelvic pain treatments we offer

• Pain medicines. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to reduce pain.
• Hormone therapy. Use of birth control and other hormone treatments to suppress the menstrual cycle.
• Behavioral therapy. Group and one-on-one sessions for symptoms of pain.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy. Treatment to target the muscles lining the pelvis that support the uterus, bladder, bowel, and rectum.

Surgery to treat endometriosis and pelvic pain

Surgeons use minimally-invasive surgery to diagnose and remove mild to moderate endometriosis.

Severe cases may need a more extensive surgery called laparotomy.

Our Endometriosis Experts

• Sarah Elizabeth Allen, MD
• Nicole M. Donnellan, MD
• Elizabeth Murray, PA
• Jenna Murray, CRNP

Make an Appointment at the UPMC Magee-Womens Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain

To make an appointment, call 412-641-4900.

We can connect you to the location nearest you. We also offer limited virtual support.

Locations

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
300 Halket St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Center
5050 West Ridge Road, 3rd Floor
Erie, PA 16506

UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services (UPMC Horizon)
1424 Main St., Suite 3
Grove City, PA 16127

UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services (UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex)
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066