Among the biggest issues in treating endometriosis has been diagnosis, mainly because this often painful condition is so easily missed or confused with pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts, both of which can cause similar symptoms and pain. Designating March as Endometriosis Awareness Month has made a big difference for women both in understanding their disease and getting the early treatment they need to manage the pain and to reduce the chance of infertility.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of a woman’s uterus grows outside of the uterus. Because this tissue continues to behave as it would if it was inside the uterus, it can cause pain and irregular bleeding as well as scarring that may make it difficult or impossible for a woman to become pregnant. The cause is unknown, but in the U.S. it is believed 1 out of every 10 women is affected by some level of endometriosis, ranging from mild to severe.
Because endometriosis is among the leading causes of infertility, awareness and early treatment is critical for women who may be at risk for developing the condition. Women who are experiencing pain and/or heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding are encouraged to consult their doctor.
Common symptoms
Endometriosis can range from mild to severe, but these stages are not necessarily consistent with more or less pain. Women with mild endometriosis can experience extreme pain while women with severe endometriosis may have no pain. Any of the following concerns should be discussed with your doctor:
- Extreme menstrual cramping, especially those radiating to the abdomen and lower back
- Irregular or extremely heavy bleeding
- Painful bowel movements or urination during periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Diagnosis and treatment
Your doctor may diagnose endometriosis using an ultrasound or CT scan, with confirmation made using a laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure in which suspect tissue is removed and biopsied. In more mild cases, doctors may be able to remove the endometrial growths during this procedure.
Your age and health, plans for pregnancy, symptoms, and extent of the disease will all be considered in determining the best treatment options for your specific case. Often, following a laparoscopy, treatment may involve simply monitoring the disease and managing pain.
Your doctor may:
- Schedule regular visits to monitor the disease
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications
- Suggest hormone therapy
- Recommend more extensive surgery, such as laparotomy to remove more endometrial tissue while protecting healthy tissue, or hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed.
You and endometriosis
Sometimes the only sign a woman may have that something is wrong is difficulty getting pregnant. Awareness of your risk for developing endometriosis may be your best weapon in dealing with it. Reasons that you may be at higher risk include:
- Having never given birth or giving birth for the first time after age 30
- Beginning menstruation at a young age
- Experiencing menopause at an older age
- Having heavy periods or periods that last a week or more
- Having a short menstrual cycle, generally less than 27 days
If you have questions about endometriosis or believe you may be at risk, contact Stark Women’s Center for a consultation with a member of our team of skilled doctors and assistants. Early intervention is your best weapon against endometriosis.