Endometriosis is a puzzling and serious
disease affecting about 1 in 4 women in their reproductive years. The inside
of the uterus contains blood and
tissue called
endometrium .Women who have endometriosis have the tissue from the uterus
on other places in their body. The most common places to find these implants are the ovaries,
fallopian
tubes ,abdomen,
bowel,
and bladder.
Each month the implants bleed with your period, causing severe pain in
some women, while other women may never experience any discomfort.
What are the symptoms?
Women with Endometriosis experience different
symptoms but the most common are:
Constant or sporadic pelvic
pain
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Constant tiredness
Pain going to the bathroom
Pain during or after intercourse
Severe pain during or before your period
Lower back pain
What Should you do if you think you have endometriosis?
If you think you could have endometriosis go to your
primary doctor and explain to him or her your symptoms. Your doctor should
recommend you to a gynecologist
who
is experienced in endometriosis. If your doctor tells you that you
are to young to have endometriosis and that the pain you are experiencing
is normal, it would be a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor who is more educated about endometriosis. As long as you are menstruating you can have endometriosis.
The Endometriosis Association
has a list of physicians who are experienced in endometriosis for more
information go to http://www.endocenter.org/
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Endometriosis can only be 100% diagnosed through
a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy
.
