I Have Endometriosis- Now What?
I first heard of endometriosis a few years back when my friend announced that she had been diagnosed with it. All I knew is that every month she was in excruciating pain. Later, my sister-in-law started to suffer from it too. What does endometriosis mean exactly? What can you expect? How is it treated?
According to the Mayo Clinic, endometriosis is a disorder of the female reproductive system when endometrium (which typically lines the uterus) grows in other places it normally would not. This could include on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or on the tissue lining of the pelvis. Interestingly, not everyone with this condition has severe pain. The pain can be mild, moderate to severe. That’s why some women don’t even know they have it until later on in life. When symptoms are present, persons will have painful periods, pelvic pain at unusual times (including during sex) bowel movement or urination, excessive bleeding during cycle and infertility.
As for the cause, scientists can only guess. But those at risk are as follows:
Individuals who have never had a baby
Individuals whose mothers have endometriosis
Individuals whose menstrual cycles are shorter than 27 days and bleed longer than eight
Individuals who have a previous condition that prevents normal menstrual flow
Individuals who have experienced damage to cells that line the pelvis due to an infection
Individuals who are Asian or white
The main complication for an endometriosis sufferer is infertility. This does not mean that getting pregnant will be impossible, but it may be very difficult to say the least. (My friend and sister-in-law have two kids each!) So, for many, all is not lost. Doctors, however, will advise those with endometriosis to have children as soon as they can because this condition tends to worsen with time. Additionally, having endometriosis does not lead to cancer or even increase the risk of developing cancer.
If your doctor suspects endometriosis, he or she can perform a pelvic exam, vaginal or pelvic ultrasound and/or a laparoscopy. Once diagnosed, treatment for the pain will be emphasized first.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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