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.
While the cause of endometriosis is not yet known, it has been clinically determined not to be an infectious disease.
How is endometriosis treated?
The good news is that several innovative, non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments are highly effective at managing or eliminating endometriosis. In many cases hormonal contraceptives may be all that is needed to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Other medications may also be prescribed, such as Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (Gn-RH) that can block the production of ovarian-stimulating hormones, and cause endometrial tissue to shrink. Aromatase inhibitors, and/or progestin inhibitors and may also be prescribed to treat endometriosis. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the endometrial tissue while preserving the uterus and ovaries. This minimally invasive surgery can not only decrease pain, but also increase a woman’s chances of being able to successfully conceive.
Endometriosis Doctor – Baltimore, MD Area
March may be National Endometriosis month, but at Visionary Women’s Health, we diagnose and treat endometriosis almost every day of the year - so that our patients can be free of pain, become pregnant if desired, and live a happy healthy life.
For more information on endometriosis, including all treatment options we offer, schedule a consultation with Visionary Women’s Health today.