Know the symptoms and available treatment options for getting relief.
More than one in ten women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, or about six and a half million women, are affected by a pain called endometriosis. Knowing the symptoms and available treatment options is vital to getting relief.
There are many signs and symptoms of endometriosis. They include menstrual periods that became more painful over time; pain during intercourse; painful bowel movements, and infertility. One of the most important things to look for when making a diagnosis is the cyclic nature of the pain and its resolution or decrease in pain after completion of the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis means there is tissue in the wrong place, and we do not know how it happened. From the patient’s viewpoint, the disease process is not nearly as important when compared to the prospect of treatment.
Raising awareness of endometriosis requires physicians to consider the diagnosis, and patients to know the signs and symptoms and seek treatment. One major risk factor for endometriosis is that if a close family member has it, your chances of getting it may be 10 times the average risk.
Diagnosing endometriosis can be done with a trial of medication or surgical evaluations. The diagnosis cannot be made by a single lab test or by imaging Treatment can include taking birth control pills continuously, which stops the regular menstrual cycle and can result in a major decrease in pain. Surgical therapy can be used for the removal or destruction of the tissue. If the endometriosis is advanced, surgery is the best option. Neither method is 100% successful though.
If you are having symptoms like pelvic pain, infertility, painful menstrual cramps that get worse over time, or heavy periods, talk to your doctor. Keep a journal of your signs and symptoms and the timing of the pain. Is there any correlation to the pain level after your menstrual cycle ends? See a physician and think about starting hormone therapy. The dose of medication used today is a fraction of what was used when hormone therapy was discovered. Using these medications can be very safe and effective.
Endometriosis can be a painful and trying condition for the patient and the physician to find an effective treatment for. There is no cure for this condition, but discoveries are occurring often. My advice is that if you are experiencing pain on a monthly basis, call your doctor for an evaluation.
Dr. Brennan Anderson, DO is an OB/GYN at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa
Dr. Anderson's Care Philosophy
As your physician, being trusted with difficulties and insecurities, I believe medicine is more than an occupation. As an obstetrician, I am honored to deliver new life into the world and provide care in times of vulnerability. As a gynecologist, I am grateful to assist in providing a pathway to maintaining your quality of life. The essential elements of good patient care are based on listening and understanding your needs and requests, providing just and compassionate care and always trying to find time to integrate patient education. I place a high value on my ethics, especially integrity and honesty.