Endometriosis....What is It?

Have you heard of endometriosis?  That may sound like a crazy question but there are many women who haven’t.  Additionally, consider that it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 years between a woman experiencing her first symptom and getting an actual diagnosis.  How tragic! Endometriosis is estimated to affect 2 to 10 % of women between the ages of 25 to 40.  It is difficult to detect and often dismissed as the most common symptom is pain.  Women are often brushed off and told to use pain meds.  So, what is it?

Endometriosis is a disorder that affects the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus the endometrium, however, that tissue grows outside of the uterus.  It can involve the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, cervix, rectum, bladder, and vagina.  Endo as it sometimes referred to can cause unbearable menstrual cramps, heavy cycles, pain during intercourse, infertility, painful urination during menstruation and bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.  A definitive diagnosis is only obtained through laparoscopy where any suspicious tissue is biopsied.  There are four stages of endometriosis- minimal, mild, moderate, and severe.  The stage is dependent on the location, amount, depth, and size of endometrial tissue.  Pain is not specific to a stage.

Endometriosis is found in 24 to 50% of women who experience infertility.  Surgical removal of endometriosis can assist with the ability to conceive in some cases.  Risk factors for endo are a first degree relative with it (mother, sister, daughter), heavy cycles longer than 7 days, start of menstruation before 11 years of age, and cycles less than 27 days.  Diagnosis of endometriosis is difficult for all women but African American women are less likely to get diagnosed.  Actress Tia Mowery shares her experience here: https://www.self.com/story/tia-mowry-endometriosis-black-women.  The misdiagnosis or lack thereof can take a mental toll on the women with endometriosis as they experience isolation, lack of medical support, and continuous pain.  If these symptoms sound familiar:

1.     Find a culturally competent OB/GYN (We’ll provide a list in a later blog)

2.     Research symptoms and make note of your symptoms (speakendo.com)

3.     Talk with others who have endometriosis and gather recommendations for treatment