Endometriosis is an all too common condition, and if you have ever suffered from it, you know how painful it can be. If you suspect you have endometriosis, it is important to talk to your doctor and get a definitive diagnosis. Endometriosis can be treated, and prompt attention can reduce the pain and discomfort.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect women any time during their childbearing years. The condition involves the abnormal growth of endometrial cells, which are similar to the cells that form inside the uterus. In endometriosis, however, those cells form outside of the uterus, most commonly on the organs of the pelvis.
The exact causes of endometriosis are still unknown, but the condition happens more often in women who are experiencing issues with fertility. While fertile women can still suffer from endometriosis, the condition is far more common in women with fertility problems. Even so, the endometriosis is not necessarily the cause of the infertility.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be tricky to diagnose, largely because it often causes no symptoms. In fact, most women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all. That is why it is important to schedule a yearly exam with your OB/GYN. Your doctor can check for hidden signs of endometriosis and put you on an effective course of treatment.
Some women do experience symptoms from their endometriosis. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you could have endometriosis, and you should see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful bowel movements
- Pain during urination
- Pelvic pain that gets worse during your period
- Problems with fertility
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. Some of these symptoms are common in other medical conditions, so you should not try to diagnose yourself. You should also not simply assume you have endometriosis if you experience problems with fertility, pain during sex or discomfort during urination. Other conditions can cause these same symptoms, and only your doctor can tell what the problem is.
What Happens Next?
If your doctor suspects you have endometriosis, you will undergo a thorough exam and medical history. Endometriosis is typically diagnosed based on the pattern of symptoms and through a physical exam, but surgery is needed for a truly definitive diagnosis.
The surgery used to verify an endometriosis diagnosis is usually laparoscopic, minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure. If you are found to have endometriosis, your doctor may prescribe medication to ease the pain. If you are having problems with fertility and want to get pregnant, your doctor will probably recommend surgery to treat your endometriosis and your fertility issues.
