Endometriosis: What Do You Need To Know?
You may have heard the term "Endo Warriors" and assumed this refers to women that suffer through painful monthly periods. This misconception is primarily due to the fact that endometriosis is not something that is frequently spoken about, despite how astoundingly common it is! The first thing to know about this illness is that it is non-contagious. Also, although excruciating, it is not life-threatening. The last myth that surrounds endometriosis is that it has the potential of developing into cancer, and this is untrue too. With all the misconceptions surrounding this ailment, you may be confused if you or a loved one is diagnosed with it. So, what do you need to know about endometriosis?
Painful menses are not the sole symptom of endometriosis
The most significant misconception about endometriosis is that it translates into painful and heavy menses that make having your period exceedingly much worse than it has to be. Although endometriosis is a debilitating illness, painful periods are not the sum of it. Other symptoms that do not get as much attention include frequent abdominal pain, discomfort during sex, unusual bleeding at different points of the menstrual cycle, rectal bleeding and even the development of digestive problems.
Thus, endometriosis is not limited to manifestation during your period, but you could also find that your overall sense of wellbeing is compromised on your non-bleeding days too. Nevertheless, having endometriosis does not mean that you have to check all the boxes by exhibiting all the symptoms. Even one symptom here and there could mean you are suffering from this illness.
Your fertility could become affected by endometriosis
Another thing that people should be aware of regarding endometriosis is that it could have a negative effect on your fertility. If you suffer from endometriosis, scar tissue eventually begins to develop in your uterus. As a result, it becomes much harder for fertilised eggs to attach to the uterine lining. It should also be noted that the severity of the endometriosis could even have a negative impact on egg fertilisation, so some women may experience problems with conceiving in the first place.
However, this does not mean that by having endometriosis you will be unable to conceive and bear a child. There are medical interventions that can be performed by your gynaecologist to ensure that the functions of your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are not undermined. Therefore, early detection and subsequent treatment would be ideal for individuals that are trying to become pregnant.
For more information, contact a gynaecologist.