Bindi Irwin recently came up on social media about her decade-long battle with “overwhelming exhaustion, excruciating pain, and constant nausea” before being diagnosed with endometriosis.
This illness causes severe cramping and prolonged pain due to the development of uterine tissue outside the uterus.
The average wait period for women in the United States to acquire a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment is ten years.
Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Culpo, and Julianne Hough are among the 6.5 million American women plagued by endometriosis.
According to Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a licensed by the board OB/GYN at Yale College School of Medicine and a valued member of the PEOPLE Health team, endometriosis primarily affects women aged 30 to 40, but it can also affect teenagers and women in their twenties. Understanding the signs and symptoms of endometriosis is crucial.
When this tissue spreads outside the uterus, it causes heavier menstrual cycles, bladder and pelvic pain, abdominal discomfort, and highly agonizing intercourse, especially after deep penetration.
Furthermore, women with endometriosis frequently have weighty periods and may have fertility issues. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons for delayed or missed diagnoses.
Endometriosis is fairly common, yet many people are unaware of its prevalence. According to estimates, it affects 10% of all women. However, during standard examinations, healthcare practitioners cannot always detect the illness. There may be no palpable lumps in the pelvis, and ultrasounds may fail to see it.
Diagnostic laparoscopy may be required in some circumstances to see the abdominal region. Furthermore, the level of discomfort women feel does not always correspond to the severity of the illness. Surprisingly, women can develop football-sized endometriomas and not feel any pain.
Is endometriosis becoming more common among young women?
Some young women may believe that endometriosis only affects the elderly, considering it is a disease that only affects those in their 30s or 40s. However, it is critical to understand that this illness can also affect teenagers.
Younger women were regularly misdiagnosed for many years. Fortunately, we are becoming more aware of endometriosis and taking proactive measures to treat it effectively. Endometriosis can be treated in various ways, giving those affected hope.
Endometriosis can be treated with a wide variety of medicines. As the most effective therapeutic option, some drugs cause a state akin to menopause.
Furthermore, birth control pills have demonstrated potential effectiveness in decreasing the condition’s cramping. Surgery is another possible option for treating endometriosis-related pain. Laparoscopy allows the tissue to be cauterized or cysts to be removed, providing relief.
However, it is crucial to note that if treatment is stopped, there is a chance of recurrence. In extreme circumstances, following several operations, some women may elect to have a hysterectomy. Nonetheless, this should only be used as a last resort due to its extreme nature.
Is there anything that can make you more likely to get endometriosis?
A genetic predisposition undoubtedly influences endometriosis development. Furthermore, women over 40 who have never been pregnant are at a greater risk of developing the illness than their counterparts in their twenties who have been pregnant.
What should women do if they are experiencing symptoms?
You must seek medical treatment if you take birth control pills and painkillers like Aleve or Motrin and still experience painful cramps.
Be bold and tell your doctor about the steps you’ve already taken and how much you’re still suffering. It is critical to seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner who will listen carefully and take your worries seriously. Remember that bearing the agony is not a burden you must bear alone.
