Endometriosis is more common than most women think, affecting about 1 in every 10 women nationwide. “That means most people know someone who has endometriosis, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with it yet,” says gynecologist Laura Young, MD, FACOG, who specializes in endometriosis at Northwest Women’s Care.
Yet even though it impacts so many people, “many of the treatments for endometriosis are behind the times, aiming to suppress symptoms instead of addressing the root cause,” adds gynecologist Adam Duke, MD, FACOG, also with Northwest Women’s Care.
So, what exactly is endometriosis, and where can women in North Idaho receive the most up-to-date care? In this article, our women’s health experts will separate the myths from the facts and reveal one of the most effective modern treatments to eliminate endometriosis for good.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a women’s health condition that often creates considerable pelvic pain. Its defining feature is a type of tissue that’s similar to the tissue lining the inside of the uterus (called the endometrium). However, instead of growing inside the uterus, endometrial tissue implants itself in organs outside the uterus, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, diaphragm, and bladder.
Separating endometriosis facts from myths
The unfortunate reality of endometriosis is that women sometimes suffer in pain for too long. They may think their symptoms are a “normal” part of their menstruation cycle, or they may mistakenly believe that no viable treatments exist. To help women in the Inland Northwest find the right answers, let’s address seven common misconceptions about endometriosis and explain why they’re not true.
Myth #1: Painful periods are normal
While women may experience mild or moderate cramping during their menstrual cycles, extremely painful periods are not typical. Warning signs include pelvic pain and cramps that begin before the start of your cycle and last for several days into your period. Lower back pain and stomach pain during your period may also indicate endometriosis.
Yet period-related pain isn’t the only endometriosis warning sign. If you experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, or pain with bowel movements or urination during your period, it also could indicate the presence of endometriosis. Pain during or after sex is another common symptom. And some women will experience more “hidden” symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sciatica (low back pain that radiates down a leg), or migraines, the latter two of which could be triggered by endometriosis-related inflammation.
Myth #2: Endometriosis always causes infertility
Endometriosis is a risk factor for infertility, but many women can still conceive naturallly even with the condition. Studies show about 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis are infertile. Women with unexplained infertility (an inability to conceive even though tests show no obvious cause), should ask their doctor to perform an exam called a laparoscopy to determine whether they have endometriosis.
Myth #3: Birth control pills will cure my endometriosis
Most women will undergo some form of medical management for endometriosis prior to more invasive approaches like surgery. However, birth control medication will not cure endometriosis. They will suppress the symptoms, so you may have less pain, but they do not stop the growth of endometrial tissue, which is the root cause of the condition.
Myth #4: Endometriosis can’t happen at a young age
Endometriosis knows few age barriers. Some studies indicate that it can begin during breast development in adolescents, which can happen up to a few years prior to a girl’s first menstrual period. However, because endometriosis in adolescents most often causes gastrointestinal (GI)-related symptoms like bloating, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, it may be misdiagnosed as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. “If an adolescent girl has GI symptoms but no definitive GI diagnosis, I would recommend getting them checked for endometriosis,” Dr. Duke says.
Myth #5: Menopause makes endometriosis go away
While menopause marks the natural end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, it does not magically remove endometrial tissue nor the symptoms of endometriosis. Women in their 50s, 60s and 70s have been diagnosed with endometriosis long after menopause.
Myth #6: A hysterectomy reverses endometriosis
Even though endometrial tissue is similar to tissue that grows inside the uterus, endometriosis does not actually occur within the uterus. Instead, it grows around and outside the uterus. For this reason, removing the uterus through a hysterectomy will not stop endometrial tissue from growing around the bladder, bowel or other organs. It will, however, end your ability to conceive naturally, so women who still want to start a family should avoid a hysterectomy unless it’s medically necessary for a reason other than endometriosis.
Myth #7: Ablation is the best surgical option
Ablation, which is the burning of excess endometrial tissue, is effective in treating the root cause of endometriosis. However, research shows high rates of recurrence, especially two years or longer after ablation. In contrast, endometriosis excision surgery delivers better long-term results than ablation, including preservation of fertility and less risk for recurrence.
Why endometriosis excision surgery is the preferred treatment
Endometriosis excision surgery is a safe and effective, minimally invasive approach to treating the root cause of the condition.
At Northwest Women’s Care in Post Falls, Drs. Duke and Young are fellowship-trained experts in endometriosis excision surgery. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, our surgeons are skilled at performing complex excision surgeries, removing endometriosis from areas of the body that are untreatable at other centers.
Women who choose to have endometriosis excision surgery locally will typically receive six-to-eight weeks of pelvic floor physical therapy prior to the procedure to reduce inflammation caused by endometriosis. They will then receive surgery at Northwest Specialty Hospital, followed by six more weeks of pelvic floor physical therapy to ensure a full recovery.
World-class endometriosis care. Right here in Post Falls
Patients travel from across the country and throughout the world to receive care for endometriosis at Northwest Specialty Hospital. Just ask Nida U., who shared her story with us recently on our Facebook page:
“I traveled from Dubai for my endometriosis excision surgery because Dr. Duke was the first of many surgeons to truly listen to me, and I have been so impressed by his team at Northwest Specialty Hospital. Even my Uber driver from the airport told me how amazing the food is!”
Have questions about endometriosis? Seek a second opinion
You don’t have to live with painful periods. If you have any potential symptoms of endometriosis and struggle to find answers, it’s wise to get a second opinion. Make an appointment today. Call Northwest Women’s Care at 208-262-2482.