Endometriosis

What is Endometriosis?

Although you may not have heard of it, many people may be surprised to hear just how common endometriosis is. It’s estimated that as many as 1 in 10 women worldwide may be affected by the condition. Endometriosis is a serious women’s health issue that often goes unrecognized. 

It is a chronic disease that often begins in the teenage years, and our philosophy at the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Center is to provide women with a long-term treatment plan.

 

But what causes endometriosis? When the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is shed during menstruation, some cells attach to areas outside of the uterine cavity. These cells can cause pain, and are particularly active during a woman’s menstrual cycle. 

Over time, the irritation caused by these cells can create scar-like tissue called adhesions that can twist and tie a woman’s organs into unnatural positions, causing severe pain. While some women never show any signs of endometriosis, the condition can also cause the following symptoms:

Chronic Pelvic Pain, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Chronic Back Pain, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Missing School and/or Work, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Severe period pain causing vomiting or reqiure the use of pain medication, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Pain during intercourse, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Irratable bowel or feeling bloated, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Interstitial cystitis, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain
Infertility, Endometriosis, Endometriosis pain, Pelvic Pain, Lower abdominal pain, Pain in stomach, Lower stomach pain

These symptoms can overlap with other issues like irritable bowel syndrome or back pain, which can delay a diagnosis. Women will often see other specialists, including urologists, gastroenterologists, orthopedists, or a genitourinary doctor before endometriosis is diagnosed.

We strive to treat endometriosis in the least intrusive way possible. If surgery is a necessary part of treatment, most patients at our center can be treated with laparoscopy by our expert surgical team. Dr. McGuirk is one of the few surgeons in the world specialized in restorative techniques used to both diagnose and treat endometriosis within the same procedure.

Keaghan R.

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"I have had pain for so long, finally finding Dr. McGuirk was honestly one of the best things to ever happen to me. She is so so smart and so kind. I knew I was in the right hands the second I met her. I actually get emotional thinking about it! She was the first doctor to take me seriously. She took away my pain and has given me better chances of becoming a mom. I can’t recommend this clinic enough, they truly care so much about their patients!"

Amanda F.

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"After a friend recommended, I saw Dr. McGuirk in April of 2019. On my first visit after explaining my symptoms I have had for over 20 years, Dr. McGuirk and I worked on a plan, she explained everything, offered reassurance that I was not crazy and she could help me. I had surgery in September and have enjoyed freedom from many unwanted symptoms  since. I am so thankful for Dr. McGuirk and her team, especially Mari who was also a huge support for me throughout it all. Thank you all!"

Tara H.

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"After becoming a patient, Dr. McGuirk performed a successful endo excision surgery and immediately started a treatment plan that restored my quality of life. I haven't felt this good in over 20 years! She really cares and is so passionate in helping those battling endo. She truly takes the time to explain everything to you and has such a great bedside manner. I've seen the pain in her eyes when she sees us suffering because she truly cares and wants to help us all. I feel amazing now and can actually enjoy life."

Luanne S.

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"Dr. McGuirk has been phenomenal. My daughter is 15 and underwent four surgeries and many other failed treatments for endometriosis within 2 years. As soon as my daughter was seen, Dr. McGuirk had a treatment plan and knew exactly what needed to be done. My daughter has been pain free since May and is living a teenage life again. Dr. McGuirk and her staff truly care about her patients and spend as much time as needed with you to explain and answer any questions. I can't thank Dr. McGuirk enough for giving my daughter back her quality of life."

Shayna L.

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"I don’t think I can express how much Dr. McGuirk changed my life. Before meeting Dr. McGurik, I had been living in chronic pain from endometriosis and after 4 surgeries nothing changed. My last doctor literally just gave me pain meds and sent me on my way. Not with McGuirk! Every appointment she takes time to thoroughly listen and understand what is going on. Through diet, surgery, and suppression I am now completely pain-free. I woke up from my surgery feeling completely different. She knows chronic pelvic pain and she is definitely someone you can trust."

Alyssa P.

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"I suffered with my Endometriosis for many, many years - I am SO thankful for Dr. McGuirk and the wonderful staff at the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Center! She performed my laparoscopic excision surgery back in Nov. 2015, and that marks the day I got my life back! Dr. McGuirk and her staff are always quick to respond whenever I have any questions or concerns, and they're so professional and kind - it's obvious that they love what they do! I highly recommend them - they changed my life!"

Holly R.

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"I have been a patient of Dr. McGuirk's since 2011. It's frustrating going from doctor to doctor to figure out what's wrong. I was fortunate to find Dr. McGuirk and she understood the constant pain I was going through. I was diagnosed with endometriosis. She has helped me to be come pain free and be able to get back to my life."

Sylvie C.

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"Dr. McGuirk is an amazing doctor and I am so grateful that I found her to help me fight my battle with endometriosis. I have been to many doctors over the course of my treatment and I can confidently say that Dr. McGuirk is the one who gave me my life back!

Dr. McGuirk is a rare breed of doctor--capable of sitting with you even while you cry your eyes out discussing the struggles of life with endometriosis; capable of empathizing with you while rejecting the notion that a pain level of 4 is ‘not that bad’; capable of making you feel like she has all the time in the world to sit with you while you process; capable of delivering on her promise to help.

Dr. McGuirk saved my life and for this I am eternally grateful!"

Newark Office

4735 Ogletown-Stanton Road
MAP 2, Suite 3217
Newark, DE 19713

Dover Office

Eden Hill Medical Center
200 Banning Street, Suite #240
Dover, DE 19904

© 2023 Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Center - A Division of RADfertility