By: Annie Morgan
It’s estimated more than 175 million women suffer from endometriosis – a painful condition where tissue similar to what lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus in various parts of the body.
This tissue can grow everywhere from your ovaries to your bowel and typically remains in the pelvic region, but it can spread to other areas.
Often times it’s difficult to get a diagnosis – and many doctors still remain confused at what it is and how to treat it.
Symptoms Vary
Endometriosis affects women differently with some women simply popping an over the counter pill to others opting for surgery.
But what appears to be one of the most common symptoms is pain.
Since this tissue is growing in places it’s not supposed to – it can become stuck and irritated causing havoc in the body.
Some women have intense back pain which doesn’t seem to go away.
Others complain of painful and often heavy periods. And because the hormones are so out of balance – many women even miss periods.
Since the tissue is growing outside of the uterus and doesn’t have a proper way to expel – it can cause everything from scar tissue to cysts within the body.
It Greatly Affects Fertility
Endometriosis can seriously harm a woman’s chance to have a baby.
The Mayo Clinic reports up to 40 percent of women with endometriosis have trouble getting pregnant.
Other women who do conceive are not able to do so on their own and need to resort to fertility treatments.
There Is No Known Cure
Since there is no cure for endometriosis, the key is to manage symptoms.
Many women find relief from simple birth control pills – of course, this option is for those women who are not trying to have a baby.
Pills don’t always work – and some women have to actually have surgery to remove the endometriosis patches that are growing in various places in their body.
More natural methods include everything from turmeric which reduces inflammation to acupuncture and massages to help relieve discomfort.
But a word of caution – not all doctors are educated in endometriosis – not even some OBGYNs.
Some think the only way to treat it is to completely remove a woman’s uterus.
The Health reported:
“However, Dr. Sinervo points out that endometriosis is not always confined to these organs. “The pain and symptoms arising from the disease are often not confined just to menstruation, in which case simply removing the uterus and stopping periods are not effective treatments,” he explains. “In fact, there have been many reports of endometriosis persisting after hysterectomy—even worsening. And we routinely treat patients who have had removal of their reproductive organs only to have significant disease left behind.”
So ladies – always make sure to get a second opinion.
And if you suffer from endometriosis, know you are not alone.
Do you or anyone you know suffer from endometriosis?
What surprises you most about this disorder?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know the 3 surprising facts about endometriosis.
