Events are taking place around the world throughout the month of March with a mission to raise awareness about a disease affecting an estimated 176 million women worldwide. As one of the leading causes of female infertility, endometriosis is a disease that all women should know about…
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis, often referred to as simply “endo,” is a relatively common disease that impacts at least 1 in 10 women, yet we don’t typically hear much about it through the media. Endometriosis is a disease of the female reproductive system that affects about 176,000,000 women and girls across the globe. It affects women of childbearing age, with symptoms that often begin with puberty and last until menopause. Even though symptoms often include excruciating pain, many women receive inadequate medical care for many years before receiving an appropriate diagnosis.
WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR CAN ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Talk to your gynecologist about any symptoms you have related to your reproductive health. Also consider seeking a second opinion with a reproductive specialist if you do not receive adequate answers or care.
CAN ENDOMETRIOSIS BE CURED?
While there are a number of potential treatment options available, currently there is no known cure for endometriosis. The various treatment options are good news, however, as they typically improve a patient’s quality of life.
CAN A WOMAN STILL SUFFER IF SHE HAS ALREADY HAD A BABY?
If a woman suffers from endometriosis prior to getting pregnant, pregnancy often relieves the symptoms for a short time. Symptoms will typically return after giving birth or post-breastfeeding. Pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis.
WHAT CAUSES ENDOMETRIOSIS?
The exact cause of endometriosis has not yet been determined, although there are a number of researchers studying potential causes. The researchers may find that genetics play an important role in developing the disease.
DOES ENDOMETRIOSIS CAUSE INFERTILITY?
Endometriosis is one of the top causes of female infertility, although researchers have not yet determined the relationship between this disease and infertility. Nearly 30-40% of women with the disease are infertile and, in fact, many women are completely unaware of their infertility or endometriosis until they are actually attempting to get pregnant. In some cases, when endometriosis goes untreated, it progresses in such a way that endometrial lesions develop and obstruct the fallopian tubes. Ovulatory functioning is inhibited when the fallopian tubes are blocked and conception cannot occur.
IS ENDOMETRIOSIS THE SAME AS UTERINE FIBROIDS?
Both uterine fibroids and endometriosis are similar, since they grow from the cells of the lining of the uterus. Uterine fibroids remain inside the uterus, while endometriosis is distributed to other parts of the body through the blood stream or the lymph system. Uterine fibroids are typically asymptomatic, however endometriosis causes a variety of often painful, life-impacting symptoms.
WILL THE PAINFUL SYMPTOMS STOP AFTER A HYSTERECTOMY?
Removing a woman’s uterus with a hysterectomy is not recommended as a treatment option for endometriosis. Even after a hysterectomy, the ovaries will produce estrogen. The disease will continue to progress, causing lesions/growths on other reproductive organs and non-reproductive sites, such as the bladder, bowel, and rectum. As the disease progresses, painful symptoms will continue or increase in intensity.
ARE THERE ANY LINKS BETWEEN CANCER AND ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Research is just beginning to expand in this field of medicine. Because tissue samples are often destroyed during the endometriosis treatment process, they are not usually viable as research samples. Therefore, endometriosis research has been a slow process to date.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, with a Worldwide “Endo” March scheduled for March 28, 2015. The events that will take place around the world are designed to raise awareness about this currently incurable disease and to show that it is not just about “bad cramps.” Educating communities is a step towards ending the silence about endometriosis, so that all who are impacted can get a proper diagnosis and appropriate, good quality medical treatment as soon as possible. And, of course, raising awareness is one of the first steps in hopefully finding a cure one day in the not-so-distant future.
CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE EVENTS?
If you are unable to attend one of the Worldwide EndoMarch events, the Virtual Endomarchers program will allow you to participate remotely via a live stream link…
There are several ways that you can participate in the effort to raise awareness this month. Consider spreading the word about endometriosis awareness on your social media accounts. Acknowledge the Endo March – World Endometriosis Day on your Facebook page on or before March 28th. Support your state’s team either through a financial contribution or through volunteer hours. You can also “like” the Worldwide EndoMarch page on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @MWMFEndo.
As mentioned earlier, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis, be sure to discuss the situation with your gynecologist. If you are experiencing these symptoms and you have not been able to get pregnant, it is time to consider more specialized assistance at an infertility clinic.
The reproductive specialists at the Center of Reproductive Medicine, serving the greater southeast Texas area, are highly regarded for their success in helping couples to conceive. They can answer any additional questions that you may have regarding endometriosis. The specialists at CORM are committed to providing the best in quality reproductive medicine and they are dedicated to ensuring exceptional care is given to everyone undergoing fertility treatment.