March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month - Community Health of Central Washington

Approximately five million U.S. women are affected by endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Misplaced tissue can also be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or intestines. 30 to 40 percent are infertile. Unfortunately, this disorder is often hidden and unrecognized, even by those it affects.

A lack of education and awareness contributes to delays in endometriosis diagnosis.

Endometriosis is a condition that happens when tissue similar to the lining of a woman’s uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. It can cause painful periods, pain during sex, irregular bleeding, digestive problems, infertility, and other symptoms.

Endometriosis affects about 200 million women worldwide and about 1 out of every 10 women in the United States. Yet the disease is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether, says the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound). Lack of education and awareness is a big reason endometriosis goes undetected.

Delayed Diagnosis

Unfortunately, there has been a general lack of awareness due to the normalization of symptoms being shrugged off as severe menstrual pain. This has contributed to delayed diagnoses for many women. When symptoms are not identified early enough, it can take anywhere between 3 to 11 years for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis, as reported by the National Institute of Health and US Library of Medicine. The sooner we spread awareness of this condition, the sooner that 1 in 10 women can be treated.

Pain in your pelvic area is not normal.

10 Facts Every Woman Should Know About Endometriosis

N

Endometriosis is the second most common gynecological condition. It affects about 1 and 10 women, usually during their reproductive years.

N

Doctors don’t know why endometriosis occurs but believe it may happen when cells that line the womb are carried to the pelvis during a woman’s period. Unlike the cells from the womb lining, which can leave the body through the vagina during menstruation, the endometriotic cells have nowhere to escape. This leads to pain and inflammation and, in some women, damage to the pelvic organs through the formation of scar tissue and cysts.

N

Endometriosis can affect fertility

N

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because every woman experiences the condition differently, and because symptoms can be similar to other illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease. On average, it takes 7.5 years for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis.

N

Some women find that lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help relieve some of the symptoms, such as exercise, a healthy, well-balanced diet and the use of a hot water bottle or taking a hot bath.

N

It occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) is found elsewhere in the body, usually in the pelvis around the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

N

Symptoms can include period pain that isn’t relieved by painkillers, irregular or heavy periods, pain during and after sex, pain or discomfort when going to the toilet, bleeding from the bottom or blood in the stool, and feeling tired all the time.

N

Unfortunately, endometriosis is a long-term chronic condition that can significantly impact on a woman’s physical health, emotional wellbeing and daily routine.

N

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments which can help to ease the symptoms including anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, and hormone medicines and contraceptives, including the combined pill, the contraceptive patch and the intrauterine hormonal system (Mirena coil).

N