Endometriosis affects more than 6 million women in the U.S. and as many as 200 million women worldwide. Women suffer from painful periods, pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, and infertility. Many women suffer for years without answers, but women do not need to struggle in silence; knowledge is power. This week on Fox17, Dr. Bitner raises awareness for women suffering from endometriosis and how you can find relief.
Fact #1
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to uterine tissue begins to grow on the outside of other pelvic organs. As the tissues start to grow, inflammation and scarring occur. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic walls, appendix, bowels, and even the lungs can all be affected. There are four stages of endometriosis and three different types that can occur. Symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, and infertility. Early endometriosis causes minimal symptoms, and not everyone experiences a progression of the disease.
Fact #2
Anyone who menstruates can develop endometriosis. Women’s risk for developing endometriosis increases if they have a family history of the disease, started their period before age eleven, or have irregular cycles (heavy bleeding for 7+ days or short cycles).
Fact #3
Diagnosis can take up to 7-10 years. It is typically derived from surgery using a camera through the belly button. Due to its invasive nature, diagnoses are typically pushed off for years. New diagnostic techniques, such as blood tests or menstrual blood samples, are being developed to equip women with answers so that treatment can start sooner. Along with severe symptoms, endometriosis affects a woman’s fertility, making it essential to have treatment earlier to stop or slow the growth of the tissue.
Fact #4
Endometriosis does not have a cure. Treatment is focused on stopping or slowing tissue growth. Treatment varies depending on the individual’s diagnosis and can look like pain relievers, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove tissue growth.
Patient Story:
Jane had painful periods since she was thirteen and had to miss school and work for years. She did not know why her periods were so painful and blamed herself for not being able to tolerate her periods like other women. When Jane finally sought help, she was diagnosed with endometriosis. At 20 years old, she did not want her schooling or career to suffer, so Jane insisted on further testing to determine the best treatment course. She elected to have surgery and was able to get both medication and an IUD placed to relieve pain and symptoms. Jane hopes her proactive approach will slow the development of further endometriosis and that she won’t experience infertility.
Takeaway Tip:
If you or a woman in your life has progressive pain with periods and cramps, empower them to ask their provider about the possibility of endometriosis. Too many women suffer in silence and don’t speak up due to shame and guilt, but there are treatment options available. Take control of your health and happiness by advocating for yourself and asking your doctor about potential new diagnosis techniques.
Watch Full Segment Here.
