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Are you suffering from undiagnosed endometriosis?

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So many of us think that bad period pains are just a normal, natural part of life. But for many women that isn’t the case.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that causes severe pain to women, especially during menstruation. This long lasting disease occurs when endometrium grows outside of the uterus and grows in other places, such as attaching itself to the ovaries or the fallopian tubes.

Every month, the tissue in a woman’s uterus builds up, breaks down and then shreds. According to Health24, the blood becomes trapped in the endometrial implants and this results in internal bleeding, inflammation, scaring and cysts.

Gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Tamer Seckin told the Endometriosis Foundation of America that any woman can get the medical condition, no matter her age.

Women who’d like to have children are advised to not postpone their pregnancy due to this medical condition, as the pain might increase and women are less likely to fall pregnant the longer they wait.

This sounds as if the pain will increase because you’re less likely to fall pregnant?

Many women think this pain is just normal menstruation cramps and only become aware of it after visiting a fertility specialist. Endometriosis is estimated to affect one in ten women during reproductive years and it recedes with menopause.

The cause of this chronic disease is unknown, as it is unpredictable and varies from woman to woman.

What are the symptoms?

•    Painful periods
•    Prolonged periods
•    Pain during bowel or urination movements
•    Lower back pain
•    Painful sexual intercourse
•    Reduced fertility
•    Bloating
•    Pain in lower tummy and pelvic area

So how do you know if it is endometriosis or normal period pains (dysmenorrhea)?

Cramps are normal. However, unlike normal period pains, someone who suffers from endometriosis suffers severe pain throughout their period. In addition, they also suffer from pelvic pain when they are not menstruating.

According to WebMD, if your pain lasts more than two days and keeps you from doing normal activities and if it’s still persisting after your period, it will be vital for you to consult a doctor.

Treatment of endometriosis

At present, there is no certain cure for endometriosis, however there are medications, such as Visanne, or birth control pills that helps reduce the pain. You can also take the disease out via excision surgery and hysterectomy, but the latter should only be considered as a last resort.

Laparoscopy surgery is the only way to determine whether you have the medical condition. To find out if you are diagnosed with endometriosis, you can get tested for a pelvic examination, as it is recommended for you to go during menstruation when the pain is at its severity.

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