Those painful cramps, and heavy periods aren’t just PMS. You may be suffering from endometriosis and not even know it. If every single time you have your period you feel doubled over, strapped to the bed kind of pain, you may be with the other 5.5 million women in the United States who suffer from symptoms of endometriosis. It’s true. All of those aches, pains and annoyances we’re conditioned to simply “suck up” aren’t all benign.
Read on to discover if your frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptoms are caused by endometriosis, the condition affecting one in 10 American women during their reproductive years.
Endometriosis—What is It?
Essentially, endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It is especially common in women who are in their 30’s and 40’s. Even though it’s in the wrong place, the endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would, going about its business as if all’s well. It thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each period and becomes trapped, since it is displaced and has no way to leave your body. Sometimes cysts can form and the surrounding tissue becomes irritated and may develop scar tissue and adhesions. Not only can endometriosis cause severe pain, it can make it difficult to become pregnant as well.
The 8 Common Warning Signs of Endometriosis
Pain
One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is pain. It can arrive in many different forms:
- Painful periods
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis
- Intestinal pain
- Painful bowel movements or when urinating during menstrual periods
Here are some other warning signs you need to be aware of:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Blood in the urine or spotting
- Excessive bleeding
- Bloating or Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Infertility
If you have any of these warning signs and symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor. While it can be a challenging condition to manage, there are treatments available to you for the pain and the unwanted problems that they cause. From medicine to surgery, there are treatment options specific to your unique condition.
da Vinci Surgery for Endometriosis
Thanks to the latest advancement in surgical and robotics technology, there is now an effective alternative to traditional open surgery allowing the physicians at My OBGyne to provide you with a minimally invasive surgery option.
My OBGyne offers relief from painful and debilitating gynecological conditions such as endometriosis with the da Vinci surgery. Talk to one of our experienced physicians to decide if da Vinci Surgery is right for you—set up an appointment here to get more information.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19970773/symptoms-of-endometriosis/
http://www.womenshealthmag.co.uk/health/female-health/7523/endometriosis/