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March is reserved for raising awareness of endometriosis, which is a condition that impacts 1 out of every 10 women in the world who are of reproductive age. Considering how common it is, surprise exists for most people about how endometriosis is still one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed gynaecological disorders.
This disease comes about when tissue similar to the endometrial lining located in the uterus grows in the outer region of the uterus. It can result in problems like chronic pain, inflammation, heavy periods and in some cases even infertility.
Clarifying some of the misconceptions surrounding endometriosis is Dr Aruna Kalra, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, for whom helping break the stigma surrounds the condition is personal.
Myth #1: Endometriosis is just a painful period
Fact: Though painful periods feature on the list of symptoms caused by endometriosis, the disease does in fact go way beyond inflammation. This condition is best characterized as a chronic inflammatory one that is capable of bringing host to an array of debilitating symptoms such as extreme measures of pain, digestive problems, untold fatigue as well as infertility. One feature that invariablly accompanies it is pain that most frequently is far more severe than ones experienced during our menstral cycles and one that is sure to persist in the days following the cycle too.
Myth #2: Endometriosis onlu impacts the reproductive system
Fact: With it being a systemic disease, some tissues of endometriosis may be located on parts of the body that are most not associated with reproduction such as the bladder, intestines, diaphragm and lungs. Rest assured, it predominately affects the pelvic region, ovaries and fallopian tubes sistem.
Myth #3 Pregnancy cures endometriosis.
Fact: There are certain women who claim to have relief from some symptoms during pregnancy, but Endometriosis is not cured by pregnancy. Most symptoms worsen after pregnancy is complete.
Myth #4 Endometriosis is rare.
Fact: Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological issues. It is estimated that around 190 million women are diagnosed with it. Because of unawareness and misdiagnosis, many cases go unreported for years which makes it seem like it is rare.
Myth #5 A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) cures endometriosis.
Fact: If a woman has painful endometriosis and undergoes hysterectomy surgery, it is possible that some symptoms will improve. Unfortunately, many women have endometriosis lesions elsewhere in their body and continue to experience pain after this surgery. For many women, a hysterectomy does not end their symptoms.
Myth #6 Endometriosis only affects older women.
Fact: Young girls, teenagers, and young women can experience endometrial symptoms from the first cycle of their periods. Many do not get adequate medical care, and sheltered by society often leads to years of waiting.
Myth #7 Pain severity corresponds to disease severity
Fact: Endometriosis is different for everyone. Some women who are severely affected may have mild symptoms while others with very little endometrial growth may have excruciating pain.
Myth #8 Endometriosis can be diagnosed with ultrasound or MRI
Fact: Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, but ultrasound and MRI imaging studies can visably detect large cysts referred to as endometriomas inclusively. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where doctors can see and take biopsies of the endometrial lesions.
Myth #9 Birth control pills cure endometriosis
Fact: Birth control pills are known to eliminate and regulate symptoms by controlling the estrogen level, but do not get rid of endometriosis. The disease could continue to progress even with treatment.
Myth #10 Lifestyle changes can cure endometriosis
Fact: Exercise, good diet, and stress management could promote overall health which is helpful in improving some symptoms. But these lifestyle changes, by themselves, will not cure endometriosis, and often medical help is needed to control the symptoms.
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