If you have endometriosis or related symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, you need accurate information, not misguided myths. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths out there, and not everything you hear about endometriosis is accurate.
Dr. Leonardo Longoria and the team at Longoria OBGYN of El Paso, Texas, support women’s health. If you struggle with endometriosis or need to be checked for this condition, which affects around 10% of women of reproductive age globally, we’re here to help.
In recognition of Endometriosis Awareness Month, this blog takes a closer look at five myths about endometriosis, ensuring you have an accurate understanding of how this issue affects your reproductive and whole-body health.
Fact: Endometriosis affects your body at a deep level and can cause symptoms that have a significant negative impact on your quality of life. It’s worth taking this women's health condition seriously.
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue that forms the lining of your uterus starts to grow in other parts of your body where it doesn’t belong. You may develop patches of endometrial tissue on your other pelvic organs, for example.
The monthly flux of hormones that triggers your menstrual cycle also affects these misplaced patches of endometrial tissue. As a result of endometriosis, you can suffer scarring, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Your periods may be much more painful and debilitating than they need to be.
Fact: Endometriosis definitely interferes with your fertility. In fact, endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility in the United States. However, having endometriosis doesn’t always mean you won’t be able to become pregnant.
Most women with endometriosis are eventually able to conceive and carry a healthy child. You may need treatments to address endometriosis-related infertility. Once Dr. Longoria diagnoses your endometriosis, he discusses your treatment options with you.
Fact: Many women seek diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis based on pelvic pain symptoms or painful menstrual periods. However, not every case of endometriosis is accompanied by pain. Some individuals have endometriosis without painful symptoms, obscuring the condition. Fertility concerns may be the first sign that you need to get checked for endometriosis.
Fact: While you might think endometriosis will vanish with your menstrual cycle, this isn’t always the case. Your endometriosis symptoms can continue to trouble you after you enter menopause and no longer have a monthly menstrual period.
Fact: Birth control pills don’t cure endometriosis. Endometriosis has no cure. But hormonal birth control may improve your symptoms. Birth control is a common treatment for endometriosis.
You may also benefit from over-the-counter pain relief medication or gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist medication. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove growths of endometrial tissue, although these may return in time.
For help telling the myths from the facts about endometriosis, painful periods, and chronic pelvic pain, contact our team at Longoria OBGYN today. Schedule an appointment by calling our office or booking online today.
