Spartanburg, SC--In 2015, the World Endometriosis Society estimated that 176 million women worldwide are living with the pain and complications of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that should only be located in the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, causing a variety of symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to debilitating. The condition affects an estimated 10% of all women during their reproductive years, across all ethnic and social backgrounds. Many additional cases fail to be properly identified and diagnosed, and are therefore not treated or counted.
The pain and discomfort often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain and symptoms that don’t align with her cycle at all, making this condition even more frustrating and unpredictable. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is severe enough that it significantly impacts the quality of their lives. Moderate discomfort around your monthly menstrual cycle is typically nothing to be concerned about, but see your gynecologist or family physician if you experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Significant pain before and/or during periods
- Pain with intercourse
- Infertility
- Painful urination or bowel movements during periods
- Other chronic gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea
“Most commonly, we find endometriosis on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the pelvic wall,” says Dr. Berniece Redmond, Director of Mary Black Physicians Group Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We discover it during an outpatient procedure called a laparoscopy, and we can often remove most or all of the scar tissue. However, endometriosis can sometimes be located in areas like the bladder, bowel, appendix and other areas of the body. These cases are less common, but prove much more difficult to diagnose and treat.”
There is little medical consensus regarding the causes of endometriosis, but it is typically diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35. A woman is more likely to develop endometriosis if she started her period at a young age, has never had children, or has frequent periods that last seven or more days. A woman or girl whose mother has had endometriosis is seven times more likely to have the disease.
In a study investigating the link between diet and endometriosis, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have observed that women whose diets are rich in Omega-3 oils may be less likely to develop endometriosis, while those whose diets are high in sugars and trans fats might be more likely to develop the condition. As with the management of any chronic condition, it’s important to follow the tenets of a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, and low in processed foods.
The good news is, there are several treatment paths available once endometriosis has been effectively diagnosed and assessed, including hormone therapies, pain management, laparoscopy and varying levels of surgical options.
“Many women with endometriosis suffer for years in silence, before increasing pain or infertility forces them to finally seek help from a physician,” says Dr. Redmond. “It’s estimated that 30-40% of women with this condition struggle to conceive children. If conceiving is important to you, it’s critical that you address your condition early, taking steps to relieve pain and slow the progression of the disease.”
When it comes to women’s health, it can be hard to know what’s “normal” and what may be a sign of a potential health problem. Even if you are uncomfortable talking about certain issues, your gynecologist is there to help you. Dr. Redmond will speak about the signs and symptoms you should always discuss with your gynecologist on Wednesday, October 11 from noon until 1pm at the Mary Black Conference Center. For more information or to reserve your space, call (864) 573-3921 or visit MaryBlackHealthSystem.com/Events to register.
If you do not have a dedicated gynecologist or primary care physician, visit MyMaryBlackPhysician.com to find a provider.
About Mary Black Health System
Mary Black Health System LLC is a health care delivery system comprised of Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg, Mary Black Health System - Gaffney, Mary Black Physicians Group, and Mary Black Health Network, Inc. The combined organization has 332 licensed beds, more than 1400 employees and more than 400 physicians on medical staff. Providing health care services to Upstate residents for more than 90 years, Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg’s acute care hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, The Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (Chest Pain Accreditation), and is a Certified Stroke Center. It features surgical suites, a warm and inviting Family Birthing Center, nationally credentialed (CARF) Inpatient Rehabilitation, a 24 bed Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Geriatric Psychiatric Services, and a Sleep Center. Outpatient services include Radiology, Endoscopy Center, Wound Center, Rehabilitation Services and Women’s Breast Health Center featuring same-day digital mammography and bone density testing. We are a patient-centered, professional, highly skilled health care system, which provides a continuum of care through the dedicated work of our nurses, staff, and volunteers.