There are many aspects of healthy living that apply to both men and women. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important regardless of your sex. There are, however, some things that apply to women’s health, but not to men. Endometriosis is one of those things.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disorder in which the endometrium (the tissue lining the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is most often found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the tissues that hold the uterus in place, or on the outer surface of the uterus.It can also be found in the bladder, bowels, cervix, rectum, vagina, or vulva. Although rare, endometriosis can also appear in the lungs, brain, skin, or other parts of the body.
It affects roughly 5 million women in the United States, and millions more around the world. It is a common health problem and there are more than 200,000 new cases of endometriosis in the U.S. each year.
Who gets endometriosis?
Endometriosis can happen in any female who has started menstruation, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s or 40s. And though the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, there are a number of factors that put women at an increased risk of endometriosis. Women who have never had children, women with shorter menstrual cycles or longer menstrual periods, women with a condition that blocks normal menstrual flow, and women who have a family history of endometriosis are at a higher risk.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is lower abdominal pain, though the types of pain may vary. The pain felt due to endometriosis includes very painful menstrual cramps, chronic back and pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, intestinal pain, or painful bowel movements. Endometriosis can lead to a number of other symptoms including bleeding in between menstrual periods, infertility, and digestive problems.
It’s important to note that having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have endometriosis, and it’s also possible to have endometriosis without having any of these symptoms. Some women may have the disorder without even realizing it because they do not exhibit any symptoms.
If you have symptoms of endometriosis, you should visit a medical professional. A gynecologist can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. For any of your women’s health needs, contact Renaissance Women’s Healthcare Partners today.