Earlier this month, Bindi Irwin revealed on social media that she had experienced “insurmountable fatigue, pain, and nausea” for ten years prior to receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, resulting in cramping and ongoing pain.
In the US, women must receive effective diagnosis and care for an average of ten years. In the US, there are 60.5 million women with the condition, including Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Culpo, and Julianne Hough.
The most common age range for endometriosis among women is between 30 and 40. However, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a board-certified OB/GYN at Yale University School of Medicine and member of the PEOPLE Health team who responded to inquiries about the condition, said that it could occur in women as young as 20.
What signs and symptoms does endometriosis show?
If the tissue is deeply inserted, it may spread outside the uterus, causing heavier periods, pain in the bladder, pelvis, and belly, as well as excruciating pain during sex. In addition, these women typically have heavier menstrual periods. It can also lead to infertility.
Why isn’t a diagnosis given to every woman?
Most people are unaware that endometriosis is a fairly common condition. According to statistics, endometriosis affects 10% of all women. A physician, however, might only be able to see it occasionally. A woman may not have any lumps in her pelvis when you check her.
Additionally, an ultrasound may not detect it. A diagnostic laparoscopy of the abdomen is necessary in some circumstances. Additionally, the severity of women’s discomfort does not always match up with their illnesses. I removed endometriomas the size of footballs from the woman without her feeling any pain.
Is it becoming more prevalent among young women?
Some younger women might think that endometriosis is only a problem for older women. The typical victim is a woman in her 30s or 40s as well. Teenagers can understand it, on the other hand. For a long time, younger women were not diagnosed. We are merely recognizing it and taking care of it. Endometriosis can be treated in numerous ways. Numerous medications are available to treat endometriosis. Many drugs cause menopause because it is the most efficient form of treatment. Squeezing can also be lessened by pills that prevent conception. In addition, surgery is one of our treatments for it. Laparoscopy can be used to remove cysts or cauterize the tissue in order to reduce pain. If you stop treating it, it might come back, though. After several procedures, some women decide they’ve had enough and request an extreme procedure called a hysterectomy.
What conditions might increase your risk of developing endometriosis?
There is a tendency that is in fact inherited. Furthermore, women over 40 are more likely to have endometriosis than pregnant women under 20.
What should women do if they experience symptoms?
If you take a birth control pill, such as Aleve or Motrin, and still get cramps, don’t be afraid to visit a doctor. Make sure they know you’ve tried your painkillers, are taking an anti-conception medication, and are really at your wits’ end. It would be best to approach a receptive person. You don’t have any intention of putting up with this.
