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Endometriosis awareness starts with understanding the symptoms

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and it’s a time to talk about pelvic pain and the other symptoms of this condition. Approximately 11% of U.S. women between the ages of 15 and 44 deal with endometriosis, and women in their 30s and 40s are the most likely to have it. Our Austin OBGYNs want you to be aware of this health problem, its symptoms and the types of problems it causes.

Understanding the condition leads to endometriosis awareness

It’s important to understand exactly what this condition is. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside the womb. These growths can cause pelvic pain and other problems. The troublesome tissue can occur everywhere from the ovaries, fallopian tubes and outer areas of the uterus to the cervix, vagina, bladder, bowel and rectum.

What kinds of problems does this condition cause?

Part of endometriosis awareness is knowing how and why this health problem affects your body. Endometrial implants, the tissue that attaches outside the uterus, respond to the hormone estrogen in the same way that the uterine lining responds. The implants bleed and grow in response to estrogen, and this can cause inflammation, irritation and swelling. Month after month, scar tissue, or adhesions, build up and cause pain. Menstrual problems and other symptoms can also result from these endometrial implants and adhesions.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

If you have endometriosis, what types of symptoms can you experience?

  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during or after intercourse
  • Pain during bowel movements or urination
  • Stomach pain
  • Spotting or bleeding between periods
  • Painful menstrual cramps
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Fertility issues

While these symptoms are common, some women who have endometriosis don’t have any symptoms.

Our experienced Austin OBGYNs diagnose and treat endometriosis

There is good news for you if you are dealing with endometriosis. Our Austin OBGYNs can diagnose and treat this condition. Diagnostic tools include physical exams, ultrasounds, MRIs and laparoscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopy allows our surgeons to see inside the pelvic cavity to determine where the endometrial tissue is growing as well as treat the problem. Medications can also help treat endometriosis in some cases. Hope begins with endometriosis awareness. Contact us for an appointment.