Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the uterus on other organs or structures in the body. Endometriosis can affect a woman’s ovaries, bladder, fallopian tubes, bowel, or the tissue lining the pelvis. It is rarely found in other areas of the body. The displaced endometrial tissue still acts as it normally would, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. Because it occurs outside of the uterus, this process can cause irritation, scar tissue, and sometimes severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis – especially during the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis can be treated.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete women’s healthcare, delivered by physicians and nurses dedicated to excellence. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. Our program is consistently ranked among the best of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complex gynecological concerns. Because UAB Medicine is a major center for research, patients may have access to promising new techniques and treatments not available at other medical centers. Our physicians are here for you at every stage of life, from your first gynecological exam to delivering your baby and helping guide you through menopause.

UAB Medicine’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility is staffed by nationally recognized physicians with years of experience in diagnosing and treating all types of infertility. We use a team approach that includes a reproductive endocrinologist, a urologist, genetic counselors, specialized nurses, and laboratory scientists.

A range of fertility treatments are available, including a type of surgery known as corrective microsurgery. For conditions that cannot be treated, procedures such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used to help a couple get pregnant.

Our fertility experts will determine a treatment plan that is best suited for each individual patient. As a major center for research, UAB Medicine continues to study advances in fertility treatment that can increase a couple’s chances of having a baby.

Care Providers

Janeen Arbuckle, MD, PhD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Rebecca Arend, MD Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Margaret Boozer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Stefanie Fieno, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Brian Gleason, MD Gynecology Kim Hoover, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Warner Huh, MD, FACOG, FACS Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Todd Jenkins, MD Gynecology Trey Leath, III, MD Gynecologic Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Shweta Patel, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Chere' Stewart, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Michael Straughn, MD Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Audra Williams, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Ashley Wright, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

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Resources

• Endometriosis: What Women Should Know

Related Specialties

• OBGYN Services
• Ovarian Removal
• Women & Infants Services