Endometriosis is a common and sometimes debilitating condition experienced by many women of reproductive age. This disease causes chronic pelvic pain and may be a contributing factor causing infertility.
The signs and symptoms of endometriosis may differ from one woman to another but often include the following:
- pain with or before the menstrual period
- pelvic pain at other times of the month
- pain with intercourse
- pain with bowel movements or urination that occurs during a woman’s menstrual period
- lower back pain
- heavy or clotted periods
For many women, this disorder is often over looked and may take up to 5 different visits to the doctor before it is correctly diagnosed. The signs and symptoms of endometriosis are directly related to the location of the endometrial tissue that is growing outside of the uterus. This can be in the fallopian tubes, on the intestines, in the peritoneal lining, or even as far away from the uterus as the lungs or nose.
Since March is Endometriosis Awareness week I would like to encourage anyone who is currently experiencing symptoms related to this to come in and discuss some treatment options. Learning about what causes endometriosis and how it flares up can be extremely beneficial to controlling it. If you are experiencing symptoms as described above and they have a cyclic nature to them which coincides with your menstruation it is a good idea to have this investigated further. Endometriosis can be a limiting factor in trying to conceive. It is certainly something that can be treated and can be well managed.
There are many resources for people with endometriosis:
- Endometriosis Info.ca
- Canada Women’s Health Network
- Endometriosis Association
- Endometriosis Organisation
- Endometriosis ZoneNew York
- Endometriosis Research CentreDon’t suffer in silence!
By: Dr. Harris Fisher (Dr.TCM)
