9 Common Myths About Endometriosis and Fertility
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. These growths, called implants or lesions, can occur in various areas of the body, typically in the pelvic region, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and behind the uterus and can affect fertility.
#1 Myth: Endometriosis is rare.
Endometriosis affects approximately one in 15 women of reproductive age (usually between the ages of 15-49) in Canada making it one of the most common gynecologic disorders.
#2 Myth: Endometriosis pain is just like bad period pain.
While some women assume their symptoms are normal menstrual cramps, endometriosis pain is usually more severe. The reason endometriosis can be so painful is because the that is growing outside the uterus responds to hormonal signals, thickens, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle, leading to pain, inflammation and difficulty in getting pregnant.
#3 Myth: It's easy to get diagnosed with endometriosis
Symptoms may be dismissed as "just bad periods.” Additional factors that can delay diagnosis are that pain comes and goes, and symptoms may mimic other conditions, like diarrhea and constipation, fatigue, or bloating. Endometriosis pain can also be hard to define because it takes many forms, including pain during sex, pain during urination, pain with bowel movements and lower back pain.
Because endometriosis is so misunderstood, diagnosis can be delayed from 7 to 11 year. It is important to be an advocate for yourself and proactively discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
#4 Myth: Endometriosis is always the cause of menstrual pain.
Pain related to menstrual cycles can also be due to fibroids, scarring, adenomyosis, infection, and other causes besides endometriosis
#5 Myth: Endometriosis does not occur in young women.
Endometriosis can occur as early as the first period. If pain related to menses affects your daily living, lasts beyond 2 days, or is not resolved by over-the-counter pain medications you should consult your doctor.
#6 Myth: Endometriosis aways causes pain.
While painful periods are a common symptom, not everyone with endometriosis experiences pain. Many women only discover they have the condition while investigating fertility issues. Further, endometriosis is not just associated with menstrual pain – can also associated with painful intercourse.
#7 Myth: Endometriosis makes you infertile
.The scarring, inflammation and damage to egg health associated with endometriosis can affect fertility but endometriosis itself does not always cause infertility. Approximately one-third of women with endometriosis also have problems with fertility. Endometriosis is common in unexplained infertility with approximately 50% of women with unexplained infertility have undiagnosed endometriosis.
However, many women with the condition still conceive naturally. Surgical intervention or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF may be recommended for those with more severe disease.
#8 Myth: Endometriosis can be diagnosed in a doctor’s office.
Although your doctor may evaluate your symptoms by asking your history, giving you a physical exam and an ultrasound, the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is with a laparoscopy. This is a minor surgery during which a woman is put to sleep (in the hospital) and a camera is inserted through her belly button to look inside at the uterus, tubes, ovaries, bowel and bladder. Scar tissue, unusual anatomy and endometriosis can be diagnosed, and potentially treated, by this procedure (in British Columbia a laparoscopy procedure is MSP funded).
#9 Myth The only treatment for endometriosis is surgery.
Depending on the goal of treatment- whether it’s pain or fertility-various treatment options are available.
These include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Help alleviate the menstrual cramps that are common with endometriosis.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists
These block GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This leads to the body producing less estrogen which can help relieve endometriosis pain.
Hormonal birth control (using oral contraceptive pills or other hormone treatments)
May be used to help shorten or stop menstruation and help symptoms.
Hormone-releasing IUD (e.g. Mirena)
Can suppress endometriosis, slow or stop menstruation and improve pain symptoms.
Surgical Management
Surgery may be used to remove some obvious implants or adhesions. This will help with both pain and can also help with fertility.
Same Day Virtual Referral Option
Olive Fertility offers patients the option to book a sameday, no-fee, virtual referral appointment
olivefertility. com/how-to-book
.The referral will be automatically sent to Olive Fertility and a member of our intake team will contact you shortly thereafter to book your fertility appointment. Olive Fertility is one of Canada’s leading IVF and prenatal diagnosis centres.