At least 10% of reproductive-aged women have endometriosis today. At Modern OBGYN Care, our team of experienced board-certified OB/GYNs uses the latest technology to ensure our patients get full-circle endometriosis care in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Many women with endometriosis have heard persistent myths about the disease — and that may keep them from getting the care they need. In honor of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we're busting myths in our March blog.
Many people believe that endometriosis is just severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding, so it's often ignored for too long. That's one reason the average time to get an endometriosis diagnosis is seven to nine years.
The Truth: Endometriosis is much more than bad periods. It happens when the tissue that lines your uterus grows in other places, like the outside of the uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes. Endometrial tissue can also grow on the bowels and even more distant organs.
Unlike period cramps, endo can cause persistent pelvic pain even before and after periods. That happens because your body can't dispose of the endometrial growths, so they accumulate and cause pain. In contrast, your body sheds the uterine lining every month during your period.
Some women experience endometriosis symptom relief during pregnancy. This happens because your body produces more progesterone during pregnancy.
The hormone can fight inflammation and suppress endometrial growth. In fact, a synthetic form of progesterone is a common treatment for endometriosis.
Women with endometriosis usually have much heavier and longer periods, so part of the relief is because you don't have periods during pregnancy.
The Truth: Although pregnancy can temporarily stop endometriosis symptoms, it isn’t a cure. Unfortunately, symptoms typically return after pregnancy when periods resume and progesterone levels return to normal.
Surgery is an effective treatment for endometriosis. Procedures like laparoscopy involve removing endometrial growths, while a hysterectomy removes the entire uterus.
A laparoscopy is a temporary treatment, as endometriosis typically returns after a few months or up to a few years. A hysterectomy is a permanent treatment, but it also ends fertility.
The Truth: Surgery isn't your only option. Many women manage their symptoms with hormonal therapy (like the synthetic progesterone mentioned above,) pain management strategies, and lifestyle changes.
At Modern OBGYN Care, we offer cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures for women who need surgical intervention. However, we always try more conservative options first.
About 30-50% of women with endometriosis struggle to conceive a baby. Endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant by triggering inflammation, endometrial growths, and scar tissue that can prevent normal ovulation and implantation.
The Truth:
Even though endometriosis can cause conception challenges, it doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. With infertility care, many women have successful pregnancies despite having endometriosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve fertility outcomes, and we work closely with our endometriosis patients to help them find the best infertility treatment approaches.
If you suspect you have endometriosis, don’t let misinformation keep you from seeking help. At Modern OBGYN Care, we treat our patients like family and ensure they receive the most advanced, compassionate care available. Book your appointment online to discuss your symptoms and find solutions.
