Simply put, endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows on the outside of it. It usually affects women in their 20s and 30s, and early diagnosis is critical, particularly for young women hoping to preserve their fertility.
So how do you know if you have it? Here are a few telltale signs:
1. Heavy Bleeding or Pain During Your Menstrual Cycle
Sure, bleeding and pain during your menstrual cycle are subjective, but there are some guidelines to help you determine if your suspicions are warranted.
The rule of thumb to determine heavy bleeding is generally defined as more than 80 mL during the week of your cycle. But, of course, who measures that? Instead, think in these terms: If you’ve bled enough that you have to go to the emergency room for a blood transfusion, have been diagnosed with anemia and have to take iron supplements or if you wear a tampon and pad and are soaking through both every two hours, these are all concerning indicators.
With regard to pain, the lines are a little blurry. For the most part, it has to occur three days before menstruation and end when you stop bleeding. Although there are exceptions: “Some women with endometriosis can still have pain throughout their entire 28-day cycle, but it mostly occurs while they’re bleeding,” says Dr. Susan Oakley, MD, a Urogynecologist at St. Elizabeth.
2. Infertility
If you’ve tried for more than 12 months to get pregnant and haven’t conceived, endometriosis might be the cause of your infertility.
3. A Retroverted Uterus
Most women with endometriosis have a retroverted uterus, meaning the uterus tilts backward toward the rectum instead of forward toward the bladder. However, Dr. Oakley emphasizes that a retroverted uterus is not abnormal. “If you have endometriosis, you’re more likely to have a retroverted uterus,” she says, “but it doesn’t work the other way around.”
Develop a Plan
If you suspect endometriosis, start with your Obstetrician-gynecologist to develop the best management plan. Because the only way to diagnose endometriosis is by taking a sample of it from inside your pelvic area – most often through laparoscopic surgery – most doctors will treat you for endometriosis based on a clinical suspicion.
“It’s important for women to not be scared because even though the diagnosis does require surgery to get a biopsy, they can still be treated before being diagnosed, and that treatment can still be medicine,” explains Dr. Oakley.
It’s also important to note that endometriosis is staged, and while advanced stages do correlate with infertility, symptoms do not align with stages. That means that even if your symptoms are mild, you should still consult with a doctor because the disease could be advanced, and your fertility could be affected.
Learn more about endometriosis by consulting with a Women’s Health provider at St. Elizabeth.
