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Endometriosis Specialist

Dr. Shefali Patel-Shusterman -  - OB-GYN

Dr. Shefali Patel-Shusterman

OB-GYN located in Westfield, NJ

Dr. Shefali Patel-Shusterman is a board certified gynecologist specializing in all aspects of women's reproductive health care, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like endometriosis. The doctor and her staff serve the residents of Westfield and Garwood, New Jersey and surrounding communities.

Endometriosis Q & A

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue in areas of the pelvic and abdominal cavity. Endometrial tissue is normally found in the lining of the uterus. When this type of tissue is found outside of the uterus, it can cause bleeding, inflammation, and pain wherever it begins to grow. Although normally confined to the abdomen and pelvic area, endometrial tissue can grow in other areas of the body as well. It has been estimated that up to 10 percent of women who are of childbearing age have some degree of endometriosis. Some women may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience debilitating pain and discomfort.

What Are Its Symptoms?

The symptoms of endometriosis will vary from person to person. Some women may have no symptoms whatsoever, while others experience symptoms that are so severe that surgery may be required to correct the problem. Abnormal pain during intercourse, abnormally severe pain during a woman's period, abnormal bleeding between and during periods, vaginal discharge, and general discomfort throughout the abdominal and pelvic area are the most common symptoms. Most women who have endometriosis claim that their symptoms worsen in the days prior to their period. Infertility or ovarian cancer may result if the condition continues to worsen and is not treated accordingly.

How Is Endometriosis Treated?

The pain associated with endometriosis is often treated with over-the-counter medications that both reduce the pain and help to control the inflammation. Oral contraceptives may also be used to help control ovulation and the release of hormones that trigger the growth of endometrial tissues. In most cases, if the case is severe, surgery is recommended to remove the endometrial tissue and prevent it from spreading any further. If the condition continues to return, the doctor may recommend a partial or full hysterectomy in which the uterus or both the uterus and the ovaries are removed. Once the uterus is removed, the source of the endometrial tissue is removed and the condition should not return.

Insurances

Here is a list of our accepted insurances. If you have insurance, you will be asked to provide a copy of your current card. Please be sure to bring your current insurance card and a valid photo ID with you, and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. For any questions regarding insurance, please contact our office directly.

  Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
GeoBlue
Horizon BCBS
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Independence Blue Cross
Medicare
Premera Blue Cross
QualCare
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield