4 Things Women Should Know About Endometriosis

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, so the experienced team of providers at North Atlanta OB/GYN wants to focus on this common women’s health issue in this month’s blog post.

To give you an idea about why many women should have at least some basic understanding of endometriosis, consider this: The condition affects 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. That fact translates to millions of women in the United States.

So, if you find yourself in this age range, here’s what we want you to know about endometriosis.

1. Endometriosis — a simple explanation for a complex condition

Under normal circumstances, your uterus features a lining that’s called the endometrium, and its primary function is to host and nourish an embryo. When a fertilized egg doesn’t arrive, this lining sheds out in the form of your period and then resets for the next menstrual cycle. In fact, your endometrium regenerates an average of 400 times during your reproductive stage.

When you have endometriosis, endometrial cells and tissues grow outside your uterus, and they attach to nearby organs and support structures, such as your:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Cul-de-sac (a space between your uterus and rectum)
• Vagina
• Outer uterus surface
• Rectum
• Large and small intestines

The problem arises when these tissues respond to your menstrual cycles and hormone fluctuations, and they have nowhere to shed. Instead, they can become inflamed and create problematic adhesions (scar tissue) that can lead to discomfort and functional issues.

1. Endometriosis can be tough to diagnose

On average, it takes women 4 to 11 years to receive the correct diagnosis for endometriosis, largely because of the wide range of symptoms. Since endometriosis can impact your reproductive health, urinary health, and digestive health, connecting the dots has been historically challenging. Thankfully, more providers recognize this connection, but it underscores the importance of seeking the correct help — women’s healthcare specialists, such as our North Atlanta OB/GYN team.

3. Endometriosis and its constellation of symptoms

There’s a wide range of potential side effects when it comes to endometriosis, and we highlight some of the more common ones here, including:

• Painful periods
• Infertility — between 30 to 50% of women with endometriosis are infertile
• Painful sex, which affects at least half of women with endometriosis
• Painful bowel movements, especially around your period
• Digestive issues, including stomach upset, constipation, and diarrhea
• Bloating

As noted, this list isn’t minor, and these potential complications can affect your quality of life. As a result, many women with endometriosis also deal with anxiety and depression.

4.Treatment options for endometriosis

We want to end on a positive note about endometriosis — there are solutions. From hormone therapies that control the growth of endometriosis to minimally invasive surgery that removes problematic adhesions, we can develop a plan to meet your goals and improve your quality of life.

If you have more questions about endometriosis or would like an evaluation, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment by contacting us via phone or online today at our Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Marietta, Georgia, office.