
There has been more research done to determine if endometriosis is caught early and treated properly if this will this help with the quality of life of sufferers while preserving their fertility for the future. Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed. Endometriosis is known as the “unknown illness” or "silent illness" as when we are young women we are told your menstrual cycle can be painful. So as brave strong young women we tend to believe that this is the way we are supposed to feel. Some young women experience pain, heavy bleeding for longer than seven days and cannot function during this time and you find that it affects your everyday life. Then when you are in your 20’s you still think that this is the way you are supposed to feel - sometimes we choose to ignore symptoms and choose not to tell our Doctor’s. This is why it is important to continue raising awareness and educating the public.
Endometriosis is the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus. Most women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis find that it can affect their fertility later on in life. Endometriosis is a common gynecological diagnosis and a cause of female infertility. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 25 – 35. If you are experiencing pain and heavy periods monthly tell your Doctor, detecting and treating endometriosis early can help with the future of your fertility.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The most common cause of Endometriosis is pain. Other symptoms might include:
- Pelvic or low back pain that may occur at any time during the menstrual cycle
- Lower abdomen pain before and during menstruation
- Painful periods
- Cramps for a week or two before menstruation and during menstruation; mild to severe cramps
- Pain with sexual intercourse; during or following
- Bowel movement pain
Symptoms, treatments and outcomes might vary due to the individual. While most women will relate if they have endometriosis, like anything else you should not compare your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment your situation is unique. This will help you stay on track other than thinking that all outcomes are the same. In other cases there may be no symptoms. Some women might experience no pain at all, while some women might have severe pain.
Doctor’s might prescribe Birth control pills to help to prevent or slow down the development of the endometriosis. This sometime’s masks the endometriosis. Lupron is also sometimes prescribed. It acts as a suppression of hormone production and is sometimes used to treat symptoms. Some patients might need pain killers depending on the severity of the pain. Endometriosis is a long lasting illness that in some severe cases your Doctor will recommend surgery. Laparoscopy is also a plan of action in some more severe cases, which removes the endometrial cells through with a few small incisions. This does remove it forever and symptoms can reoccur which might lead to more surgeries.
Join other women during Endometriosis Awareness month by getting the facts and continue to raise awareness for an illness that millions of women live with every day. I do not have endometriosis however, I know many women that do and I am here to stand together to fight with others to raise awareness.
Endo March 2014 -- This year the 1st annual Endo March will take place in Washington DC on March 13, 2014 with Grammy Award winning Artist, Sheryl Crow and Law and Order Actress, Stephanie March. These celebrities have joined forces to send a positive message of empowering others through education to raise awareness for Endometriosis.
For more information on Endo March 2014