Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. Endometriosis occurs when cells normally found inside the uterus and within the uterine lining begin to grow outside the uterus. The most common places where endometriosis occurs are the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the bowel (large intestine), and the other areas around the uterus.
Endometriosis is a condition that can lead to painful, debilitating symptoms. It can also lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, pain during sex, or difficulty becoming pregnant.
The following are a few vital signs and red flags to be aware of when it comes to endometriosis.
Endometriosis: Signs and Symptoms
The presentation of endometriosis can vary widely from person to person. Most women with endometriosis will never experience any symptoms or may have mild symptoms that go entirely unnoticed. However, others may experience more painful symptoms, such as:
- Painful Periods: Period pain or severe menstrual cramps is a common symptom of endometriosis. This type of pain may interfere with daily activities, and the pain itself may not respond well to over-the-counter pain relief
- Pelvic Pain: One of the most common and prominent red flags of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain. This pain often intensifies during menstruation but can persist throughout the month.
- Heavy Bleeding During Menstrual Cycles: Excessive menstrual bleeding, including clots, can be associated with endometriosis.
- Low Back Pain: Chronic lower back pain, often accompanying pelvic pain, can be another sign of endometriosis. Understandably, low back pain can be caused by many other medical conditions, so consider it when it presents alongside some of these other symptoms.
- Pain During or After Sex: Pain during or after sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia, can indicate the presence of endometriosis.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Some women with endometriosis experience gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, particularly during their periods.
- Difficulty Getting Pregnant: Endometriosis can lead to fertility problems, making it challenging for some women to conceive.
The presence of one or more of these signs should prompt an urgent visit to see your doctor or OBGYN. These symptoms are significant enough that they deserve to be investigated thoroughly.
Endometriosis: When Should You See Your Doctor?
Because the symptoms of endometriosis are not always constant, it can be challenging to know when you should make an appointment to see your doctor. However, the presence of these symptoms, mainly if they are recurring, is an indicator to seek medical advice.
Endometriosis: Diagnosis
A doctor may diagnose endometriosis with a combination of medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests (e.g. blood tests, imaging). Your doctor will begin by taking an entire medical history and carrying out a physical exam to help determine the history and extent of your symptoms. Following this, diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound scan or MRI may be recommended. It’s essential to diagnose endometriosis if it exists, but it’s equally important to rule out other possibilities.
Endometriosis: Management
Management of endometriosis centers around managing symptoms and controlling pain. It also depends on several factors such as:
- The severity of your symptoms
- If your quality of life is being affected
- Your future plans for pregnancy
- If endometriosis is currently affecting your fertility
Treatment options for endometriosis may include one or more of the following:
- “Watchful waiting” – Your condition is routinely monitored to see how it progresses over weeks to months. If the situation worsens, then your doctor will discuss other formal options.
- Pain Medication – Pain Medication may be prescribed to help ease symptoms.
- Oral Contraceptives – Oral Contraceptives are used to prevent ovulation and reduce menstrual flow.
- Other forms of hormone treatment (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs)
- Surgery – Surgery is usually considered as a last resort and for more complex cases.
Endometriosis can be a challenging condition to deal with, but your doctor will be a great source of advice when considering the best management options for your own personal case.
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