Although millions of women around the world are suffering from endometriosis, this condition is still largely unknown to many. People tend to confuse this with dysmenorrhea or other PMS problems, but in reality, endometriosis is a far more serious medical condition. Here’s some info about endometriosis every woman should know.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that emerges because of the unnatural growth of endometrial cells. Endometrial cells are supposed to grow only within the uterus, but with endometriosis, they also grow outside the uterus and become endometrial implants causing scarring, inflammation and adhesions. They can appear on the outer tissues of the uterus, the fallopian tubes and anywhere in the pelvic and lower back area. The lungs and even the brain can be effected, although this happens rarely.

The Symptoms of Endometriosis

PAIN is arguably the most common symptom of endometriosis. The degree of pain that endometriosis causes however varies from case to case, depending on the severity of the woman’s condition and how well she is able to tolerate pain. Pain can also appear in various parts of the body, depending on how far the condition has spread.

Physical relationships may also be hampered because some women suffering from endometriosis have reported experiencing pain while engaging in physical intimacy. Bleeding afterward can also occur.

Urination and bowel movements are also affected. Women suffering from endometriosis may experience pain during bowel movements or when urinating, especially during menstruation.

The menstrual cycle of a woman is usually aggravated by endometriosis. They may experience far more pain and discomfort than usual. The number of days for their monthly menses may also be lengthened because of endometriosis.

Infertility is a possible symptom or effect of endometriosis. There are many documented cases where endometriosis has caused damage to the fallopian tubes, and this consequently creates problems with getting pregnant and giving birth.

Other common symptoms of endometriosis are nausea and fatigue.

How Do You Know If You Have Endometriosis?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best that you pay a visit to your personal physician immediately to find out whether or not you have endometriosis.

Your consultation will usually start with an interview about your medical history followed by a physical examination. These two may already be sufficient to determine if you have endometriosis.

If you wish for additional accuracy, your physician may use an imaging test or suggest exploratory laparoscopy surgery to see if internal areas are affected by endometriosis.

How to Treat Endometriosis

There is no known cure for endometriosis, but there are several successful ways of treating the condition and preventing the symptoms from worsening. If pain is your main problem with endometriosis, NSAIDs may be adequate for treating your condition as they can tackle both the inflammation and offer pain relief.

Herbal remedies are also used to treat endometriosis, although individuals must take care in choosing herbs that are of good quality and manufactured to careful standards.

There is anecdotal evidence of alternative treatments such as acupuncture and aromatherapy providing significant relief for endometriosis sufferers.

Surgery may also be an option to treat endometriosis. Laparoscopic surgery involves the removal of endometrial growths and implants that are believed to cause the pain for the woman. A hysterectomy will typically only be recommended in special circumstances or where the woman’s life is in danger.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that tends to be progressive so it’s important to keep abreast of all the latest info about endometriosis to ensure you are receiving the best treatment.

Don’t forget if you haven’t already done so, you can sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that uncovers effective ways to help women combat endometriosis symptoms. You’ll also find more info about endometriosis treatments..