March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis is estimated to affect as many as 176 million women worldwide, five million of whom reside in the United States. But despite its impact on so many lives, endometriosis remains a widely misunderstood condition. For this reason, the month of March is observed as National Endometriosis Awareness Month.

In this article, we separate the fact from fiction about endometriosis by answering some of the most common questions our patients ask about this painful and frustrating condition.

If you are in the Baltimore, MD area and are experiencing endometriosis, contact Visionary Women’s Health for a consultation with Dr. Gueye today.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that causes tissue similar to uterine lining to develop elsewhere in the body, predominantly in the abdominal cavity.

Who is affected by endometriosis?

Typically, endometriosis occurs during a woman’s reproductive years - the period between the beginning of menstruation and menopause.

During their menstruating years, an estimated 10% of all women will experience endometriosis. If you are one of them, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Visionary Women’s Health in the Baltimore, MD area today.

What are symptoms of endometriosis?

Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis, often experienced either during or after sexual intercourse, during ovulation, and/or while menstruating. That said, endometriosis patients may experience pain at other times during their cycles.

Additionally, women will routinely visit our Baltimore, MD area practice reporting infertility as a result of their endometriosis. Some patients may also experience extreme feelings of fatigue as a result of their condition.

How do doctors diagnose endometriosis?

While some physicians are known to “diagnose” a woman with endometriosis based solely on her symptoms, the only sure way to make an accurate diagnosis is through a laparoscopy.

We offer this minor surgical procedure at our Baltimore, MD area practice to anyone suffering from symptoms of endometriosis; providing accurate diagnoses based on observable facts, rather than just symptoms.

Can I catch endometriosis from someone else?

Fortunately, our Baltimore, MD area patients can rest easy knowing that endometriosis cannot be transferred from person to person.