By now, you have almost certainly heard of endometriosis. The condition — in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus and often results in extreme pain during periods — has become more well-known over the past few years, with celebrities like Lena Dunham, Daisy Ridley, and Julianne Hough speaking out about their experience with endometriosis.
But awareness of the disorder still has a long way to go. According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, endometriosis affects over 1.76 million people worldwide, but it is widely misdiagnosed and mistreated.
Because of this, you probably have a basic idea of what endometriosis is, but you may not be quite so sure how the condition might apply to you. And based on the things you have heard about endometriosis, like intense pain and potential infertility, you may be too afraid to find out.
INSIDER spoke with Dr. Rebecca Brightman, a gynecologist who partnered with SpeakENDO, to find out how it affects the body and the lives of people who have it. Scroll through for answers to all the questions about endometriosis you've been too afraid to ask.
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about endometriosis
FOLLOW US: INSIDER is on Facebook
1. What's the basic definition of endometriosis?
Endometriosis has gained some traction over the past few years. All the same, you might not be quite certain on what it actually is.
"Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting women in North America, affecting up to one in 10 American women," Brightman told INSIDER. "It is characterized by small, misplaced pieces of tissue similar to what we normally see in the uterine lining, which we refer to as implants, that appear outside the uterus. They can occur on the bladder, the bowels, and the ovary."
2. What are some symptoms of endometriosis?
It is unlikely that every single person with endometriosis will have the same exact symptoms, but there are a few that stand out.
"The symptoms really vary from one person to the next," Brightman told INSIDER. "But one of the hallmarks is extremely painful, debilitating periods. Some women with endometriosis will have pain at different times of the month, some women have very heavy periods and actually bleed in between periods. Other women experience pain during intercourse, pain during urination, and painful bowel movements, so it really depends on the individual person."
According to UCLA Health, endometriosis is so painful because the endometrial implants can become inflamed and irritated during one's period. Endometriosis can also create scar tissue, which might add to any pain that's already there.
3. Does having period cramps mean I have endometriosis?
If you've been reading about the symptoms of endometriosis, it can be easy to convince yourself that any period cramp or stomach twinge you feel is a surefire sign that you have endometriosis.
"It's not unusual to have some cramping with your period," Brightman told INSIDER. "But usually those can be treated with over-the-counter medicine. If the pain is really severe and debilitating, that's not normal. And I think a lot of women have been misled about the amount of pain they are expected to endure during their period, which is why some women don't think to seek treatment for endometriosis."
Bottom line? If your period cramps are so terrible that you can't force yourself to do anything when you're on your period, and popping a Midol or some ibuprofen doesn't seem to do anything, you might want to see a doctor. And it doesn't hurt to be prepared when you go.
"The speakENDO website has a quiz people can take and get a sense as to what might mean they are having symptoms of endometriosis and learn that it's important that they raise their concerns with their healthcare providers," Brightman told INSIDER. "No one's a mind reader, and I think if people come in with their concerns, they can best be addressed."
See the rest of the story at INSIDER
0 Comments