March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month
Endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition of the ovaries and Fallopian tubes that can feel debilitating. The Endometriosis Association’s objective for this month is to raise awareness about the causes, types, symptoms, and treatment for this condition.
What is endometriosis?
When someone is living with endometriosis, their endometrial tissue, or the inner lining of the uterus or womb, grows outside of it. These growths most commonly occur on the ovaries and Fallopian tubes.
The causes of endometriosis are unclear, however, genetics, hormones, and immune disorders can be risk factors. Treatment ranges from symptom management with pain medication and hormone therapy such as oral contraceptives to surgical treatment. Surgery includes either removing the misplaced endometrial tissue while preserving the uterus, or a hysterectomy in severe cases.
Living with Endometriosis
Endometrial tissue, or the lining of the uterus, is the same tissue that thickens during the menstrual cycle. When someone who has endometriosis is menstruating, their blood has nowhere to go, as their endometrial tissue is shed outside of the uterus. This can feel extremely painful. Learn all of the endometriosis symptoms below.
Pain with endometriosis
This disorder can make periods and sexual intercourse painful. Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
Quality of life
The pain of endometriosis can have a big impact on someone’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
Menstruation with endometriosis
Not only can endometriosis make menstruation painful, but it can also cause irregular and excessive bleeding during and in between periods.
Infertility
Endometriosis can cause infertility and is often first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
Mayo Clinic Explains Endometriosis
Learning about endometriosis can be intimidating. Megan Wasson, D.O., a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, walks you through the facts, the questions, and the answers to help you better understand this condition. Learn more: https://mayocl.in/3Lrfcm7