Endometriosis: Frequently Asked Questions

If you have recently been diagnosed with endometriosis, have a loved one suffering with the effects of endometriosis, or are concerned you are living with endometriosis, chances are you have a lot of questions and concerns about this condition. Endometriosis is a common condition that affects millions of women of all ages, and understanding the symptoms and causes of endometriosis can help ensure you get the care you need.

Here are a few frequently asked questions you might have about endometriosis.

What Exactly Is Endometriosis?

A woman's uterus is lined with a special type of tissue that is only intended to grow inside the uterus. When the tissue begins growing on areas outside of the uterus, this is endometriosis. Endometriosis is most typically found on the outer surface of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and ovaries. However, in rarer cases, a patient can have endometriosis on the cervix, vulva, bladder, and bowel.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

For many women, the most noticeable symptoms of endometriosis are longer and more painful periods. Pelvic pain during ovulation and intercourse, which is caused by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, is also common. Here are a few of the other symptoms associated with endometriosis:

  • Lower back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain while have a bowel movement or during urination
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Bloating

Infertility is another common symptom of endometriosis. If you are trying to get pregnant and are having trouble conceiving after months, talk to your gynecologist about the impact of endometriosis on fertility.

How Will Your Gynecologist Diagnose and Treat Endometriosis?

Your gynecologist will consider your symptoms and often perform a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to diagnose endometriosis. After diagnosis, you have several options to treat your endometriosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis.

For example, if your gynecologist caught your endometriosis early, a hormonal medication, such as birth control pills, can be prescribed to slow the spread of endometriosis. Other treatments will be used to treat the various symptoms associated with endometriosis. For example, if you have painful periods, your gynecologist might recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to lessen the discomfort.

In some cases, if the endometrial lesions are severe and causing extreme pain, your gynecologist might recommend surgery to remove the endometrial tissue. For some patients with severe symptoms who do not wish to have any more children, a hysterectomy might be recommended.

Endometriosis is a common condition that impacts women of all ages. Talk to your gynecologist about any other concerns you might have about endometriosis, or check out websites like http://www.centraliowaobgyn.com to learn more.


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