What Are the First Signs of a Diagnosis of Endometriosis?

If you have consistently had severe menstrual pain and irregular periods, you may have endometriosis. This condition affects between 5 and 10 percent of American women.

With an early diagnosis of endometriosis, we can alleviate the pain and prevent any long-term effects on your fertility.

What Is Endometriosis?

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. Endometriosis occurs when this lining is found outside the uterus and is commonly found on the:

• Ovaries
• Fallopian tubes
• Bladder
• Outer surface of the uterus
• Peritoneum (this is the membrane within the abdomen that surrounds all your internal organs)

It’s more common in women in their 30s and 40s. It’s important to treat it in a timely manner because it can cause painful sex and periods, and in certain cases, it can cause infertility.

What Causes Endometriosis?

There are several potential causes.

There is a genetic component because endometriosis tends to run in families.

However, the most common cause centers around problems with the menstrual flow when the tissue shed during the period may travel to other parts of the body through the fallopian tubes.

What Are the First Signs of a Diagnosis of Endometriosis?

Chronic pelvic pain is the main sign or symptom. The pain is often worse or most noticeable before and after your period. Those with endometriosis often have painful sex. Heavy menstrual bleeding is another symptom.

However, it’s important to realize that sometimes women may not show any symptoms. Because there are several conditions that may show the same symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment so that you can receive an accurate diagnosis.

Can You Diagnose Endometriosis Without Surgery?

While endometriosis may be indicated by signs and symptoms, the only certain way to get an accurate diagnosis is through a procedure called a laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive surgery where we remove a small amount of tissue for closer examination.

How Is Endometriosis Treated?

There’s no one blanket treatment for endometriosis—it depends upon the extent of the illness. It’s also important to take into account whether or not you want to have children.

Depending upon each individual case, we may treat it with medication or surgery.

Can I Still Get Pregnant?

You can, but you should know that it may make it harder for you to conceive. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic 30 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility.

If you want to have a baby and you believe you may have endometriosis, talk to us. While endometriosis can cause infertility, it is still possible to have a baby. This is why it is so important to schedule an appointment about preconception planning.

Are You Showing Signs of Endometriosis? Let Us Help You

There are several conditions that can cause painful periods, uncomfortable sex, and menstrual irregularities. Because of this, it’s important that we thoroughly evaluate your situation to reach an accurate diagnosis.

At Associates in Women’s Health, we’re concerned with more than your gynecological health. We’re concerned with your overall wellness. We not only want to help you with contraception, family planning and menopausal symptoms, we want to pinpoint health problems, such as diabetes, before they develop serious complications.

We would welcome the privilege of caring for you. See why generations of women have entrusted us with their health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.