If you have painful periods or a child who suffers from painful periods, it could be a sign of endometriosis.
Many people have heard about endometriosis but don’t necessarily know what it is. So let’s start there. It’s a disease where tissue (similar to the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus.
It can be excruciating.
In the past, doctors did not always take women seriously when they voiced concern over their period pain. (And really, not just period pain, but any kind of pain.)
Planned Parenthood says this long history of overlooking women’s pain is especially prevalent in women of color. They also say it happens partly because of a belief that severe period pain should be expected and tolerated.
Even today, some medical professionals may unintentionally dismiss women who express concern over their period pain. We’re here to tell you, that it’s not in your head. And you’re not alone.
If this is something you’ve been told in the past, please reach out to us. We can talk through your symptoms, determine if it’s endometriosis or something else, and take action to help you feel better.
Endometriosis is estimated to affect roughly 10% of all people of reproductive age worldwide.
Teenage girls who suffer from it will often miss school because the pain is so debilitating. In addition, women who have it may experience painful sexual intercourse.
Symptoms include:
It can occur in anyone who has a uterus. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a medical professional for a proper diagnosis.
The only way to know if someone with a uterus has endometriosis is through surgery or an MRI.
If a doctor suspects endometriosis, they often start by giving the patient a pelvic exam and maybe even an ultrasound. From there, if they still suspect endometriosis, they will recommend exploratory surgery to identify where the endometrial tissue is and try to remove it.
Therapeutic treatments such as contraceptive steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and painkillers can help manage pain and inflammation, but it’s important to seek medical evaluation if you’re concerned you may have endometriosis because it’s a complex thing to treat.
At Care On Location, we can offer birth control to treat endometriosis. For some people, it helps with their pain. Then, there’s also Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy that we can connect you with. Not only does it help with endometriosis, but cervical cancer treatment as well.
There is no way to prevent endometriosis from happening. Still, an early diagnosis can go a long way to slow the disease down and reduce the symptoms in the long term.
It can also cause those suffering from it to experience anxiety and depression, especially when they’re being told nothing can be done.
It’s also important to note that there is some misinformation about infertility and endometriosis. Yes, some people who suffer from endometriosis experience this, but not all. Those who can still conceive may need medical intervention to get pregnant.
The important takeaway is that if you’re suffering from endometriosis, your pain can be managed, and there is help. You don’t have to suffer through it. We’re here for you!
Care on!
