By leah jones
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus where it shouldn’t, causing pain and potential fertility issues.
Endometriosis affects an estimated one in ten people with a uterus. Those impacted mostly include females between the ages of 20 and 40.
The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but there is a believed increase in developing it if there is family history. Talk to a doctor about your risk if any of your family members have it.
Here are some symptoms you should contact a healthcare provider about if you are experiencing them. These symptoms do not always indicate endometriosis but, as stated by Cleveland Clinic, "Bad period pain isn’t normal."
A common symptom of endometriosis is severe cramps that may begin before and last beyond the menstrual cycle. It is especially concerning if they interfere with daily activities and do not go away with medicine.
Pelvic pain that occurs during periods or all the time can be a sign of inflammation, scarring or adhesions from endometriosis. Leaving this untreated can negatively affect the pelvic floor.
Mild or deep pain from sex, specifically vaginal penetration, is a common symptom of endometriosis. This is the result of endometrial tissue that has grown in the pelvic area being irritated or stretched.
Diarrhea, constipation, nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms can be caused by endometriosis when endometrial tissue grows on the bowel. It can also cause bloating and painful bowel movements.
Inflammation and scarring in the pelvis can make it difficult to become pregnant. Fertility issues are often the way many people discover they have endometriosis.
A doctor will test for endometriosis by first asking questions about your symptoms and family history. Then they will perform a pelvic exam and potentially other tests like an ultrasound or MRI.
However, the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through a laparoscopy. During this procedure, a doctor looks in the pelvis with a small camera, extracts the tissue and has it tested in a lab (biopsy).
Talk to a healthcare provider about the best endometriosis treatment for you. It can include over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, hormonal therapy, surgery, fertility treatments and more.
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