The numbers surrounding endometriosis are eye-opening, starting with the fact that 11% of women ages 15-44 have endometriosis. More alarming is the fact that it can take 4 to 11 years for a woman to be correctly diagnosed with endometriosis and, still, 60% of cases go undiagnosed.
Because March is Endometriosis Awareness Month in the United States, our team of reproductive health experts at Kinwest OBGYN wants to review some of the more common signs of endometriosis so you know when to seek help.
Under normal circumstances, your uterus is lined with cells and tissues that make up your endometrium. This tissue thickens with each menstrual cycle to host a fertilized egg, and if that egg doesn't arrive, it breaks down and sheds out, creating your period.
With endometriosis, these cells and tissues grow outside of your uterus, often attaching themselves to your pelvic organs, such as your:
Because these tissues can’t shed out through your uterus, they can create adhesions (scar tissues) that can lead to pelvic pain and functional issues.
One of the reasons why it can take so long for endometriosis to be properly diagnosed is that symptoms depend on the extent of the displaced endometrial tissues and their locations. As a result, endometriosis can often mimic other conditions, causing medical providers to look elsewhere.
That said, there are some common complaints among women with this condition, including:
The displaced endometrial tissues still respond to your menstrual cycle, but they have nowhere to exit, which can lead to heightened pain and severe cramps during your periods.
When you have endometriosis, you still have endometrial tissues in the right place — the lining of your uterus. This means you should still have regular periods, but many women experience heavier periods with endometriosis.
The reason behind the heavy bleeding is complex, but it has to do with the chemical and structural changes that this condition often cause.
If you have endometrial tissues around your bladder or your rectum, you might experience pain when you urinate or pass stool.
If you’ve developed scar tissues in your pelvis that can get tugged during intercourse, you might experience pain during sex.
Many women with endometriosis run into problems with fertility. This largely stems from endometrial tissues that are blocking ovulation or the travel of the egg, such as adhesions around your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
This list of endometriosis symptoms is far from complete, but it’s a good start. If you’re experiencing any of these common signs, we want you to make an appointment with us so we can work quickly to identify the underlying cause and get you on the road to better health.
For expert diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, we invite you to contact one of our offices — in Dallas or Irving, Texas — to schedule a consultation.
