Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis Awareness Month

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women and can leave 40% of them with fertility struggles. Regardless of the health issues concerning endometriosis, the pain of not being able to have a child is worse for some women, than the pain inflicted. Unfortunately, those who have endometriosis present at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows in other places that are not the uterus. This makes it almost impossible for an egg to attach for conception. If endometriosis affects the ovaries, ovarian cysts called endometriomas may form.

Endometriosis Symptoms

The most significant symptom of endometriosis is pain. This pain may become more severe during a menstrual cycle, which is supposed to be the shedding of the uterine lining. Symptoms include; pain with intercourse, painful periods, pain with urination, bleeding, infertility, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. If you think you may have endometriosis, or another pelvic condition, immediately seek out your OBGYN.

Endometriosis Treatments

There are a few options for someone with endometriosis to utilize. The first would be medications for pain management. This helps women endure the pain. Hormone therapy can be useful for reducing pain. Hormone therapies include contraceptives, ganodotropin-releasing hormone, progestin therapy, and danazol. For those women who are done having children, or have pain so severe, they may opt for a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a complete removal of the uterus. Recently, celebrity Lena Dunham made headlines for having one at age 30. Dunham has previously chronicled her struggles with endometriosis in many op-eds.

Final Thoughts

Have you learned more about Endometriosis Awareness Month? Comment below if you know someone who has endometriosis. March is also Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Check out our article to learn more about colorectal cancer.