Millions of women living with pain of endometriosis
An estimated 176 million women worldwide are living with the pain and complications of endometriosis, according to the World Endometriosis Society 2015 review. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that should only be located in the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, causing a variety of symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to debilitating. The condition affects an estimated 10% of all women during their reproductive years, across all ethnic and social backgrounds. Many additional cases fail to be properly identified and diagnosed, and are therefore not treated or counted.
Q: Why is endometriosis painful?
Dr. Booker: The pain and discomfort often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain and symptoms that don’t align with her cycle at all, making this condition even more frustrating and unpredictable. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is severe enough that it significantly impacts the quality of their lives. Moderate discomfort around your monthly menstrual cycle is typically nothing to be concerned about, but see your gynecologist if you experience one or more of these symptoms:
• Significant pain before and/or during periods
• Pain with intercourse
• Infertility
• Painful urination or bowel movements during periods
• Other chronic gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea
Most commonly, we find endometriosis on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the pelvic wall. We discover it during an outpatient procedure called a laparoscopy, and we can often remove most or all of the scar tissue with a laser. However, endometriosis can sometimes be located in areas like the bladder, bowel, appendix and other areas of the body. These cases are less common, but prove much more difficult to diagnose and treat.
Q: What causes endometriosis and what can I do to prevent it?
Dr. Booker: There is little medical consensus regarding the causes of endometriosis, but it is typically diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35. A woman is more likely to develop endometriosis if she started her period at a young age, has never had children, or has frequent periods that last seven or more days. A woman or girl whose mother has had endometriosis is seven times more likely to have the disease.
In a study investigating the link between diet and endometriosis, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have observed that women whose diets are rich in Omega-3 oils may be less likely to develop endometriosis, while those whose diets are high in sugars and trans fats might be more likely to develop the condition. As with the management of any chronic condition, it’s important to follow the tenets of a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, and low in processed foods.
Q: Is there treatment for endometriosis?
Dr. Booker: The good news is, there are several treatment paths available once endometriosis has been effectively diagnosed and assessed, including hormone therapies, pain management, laparoscopy and varying levels of surgical options.
Many women with endometriosis suffer for years in silence, before increasing pain or infertility forces them to finally seek help from a physician. It’s estimated that 30-40% of women with this condition struggle to conceive children. If conceiving is important to you, it’s critical that you address your condition early, taking steps to relieve pain and slow the progression of the disease.
Gregory Booker, M.D., South Arkansas Women’s Clinic is the leading provider of gynecology and obstetrics care in South Arkansas since 1983. Call 870.863.8444 or go to www.sarkwc.com For more information about endometriosis or other gynecological disorders, schedule an appointment with a physician who can help you understand your options. If you do not have a dedicated gynecologist, visit TheMedCenter.net to find a physician or go to www.sarkwc.com. Dr. Booker is a member of the Medical Staff at Medical Center of South Arkansas.