Many women deal with a lot of pain and symptoms, especially during “that time of the month” that stem from a condition known as endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a very common gynecological condition that occurs when uterus-lining tissue starts to grow outside of the uterus due to hormonal changes within your body during your menstrual cycle. It can grow anywhere around the pelvic and abdominal cavities, such as on the ovaries, intestines, lining of the pelvic cavity, or fallopian tubes, and can cause agonizing pain as well.
Check out these 5 conditions that usually show signs of endometriosis below.
- Pelvic Pain
That monthly visit from mother nature is very painful for most women, so if you have painful cramps – you’re not alone! However, if your cramps are super painful, especially in your pelvic area, and they don’t go away with over-the-counter NSAIDs (acetaminophen, etc.) it might be endometriosis. - Infertility
Being able to create a little bundle of joy inside of your own body is a miracle in itself, and a gift many women look very forward to. If you are having difficulty conceiving, endometriosis might be a factor. There are many different ways endometriosis causes infertility. When uterus tissue grows in places outside the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries, inflammation and tissue block the natural reproduction cycle and/or alter the quality of your egg released. - Excessive menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
During our menstrual cycle, cramps are a normal physiological response to the changes happening inside of our body. However, it is not normal for them to be so frequent they become debilitating. - Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Intercourse is usually fun and enjoyable. However, when you have endometriosis, the pain can cause that pleasure to dwindle due to tissue similar to endometrial tissue being pulled and stretched. - Abnormal and/or Heavy Menstrual Flow (Menorrhagia)
Although some women can bleed heavily, and this is very normal and natural during their menstrual cycle, (a scene from jaws 😉 Bleeding for longer than a week, and/or soaking through many sanitary pads or tampons every hour can be cause for concern. If your daily activities are restricted due to this abnormal and heavy flow then it might be time to look further into the root cause of your symptoms.
Do any of these relate to you? If so, it might be good to look further into the root cause of these symptoms. Be sure to check with a trusted gynecologist if you feel any of these relate to you.
Here at Advanced Women’s Health and Surgery, your health is important to us. Call or request an appointment today to see how our caring board certified gynecologist Dr. Habibeh Gitiforooz, MD, FACOG can help you feel better.
