Fact: A definitive diagnosis of endometriosis can only be made at surgery by seeing the implants or performing a biopsy and seeing it under a microscope. Additionally, the average woman sees at least 4 healthcare professionals over 5-7 years before getting diagnosed with endometriosis.
Fact: Endometriosis is very common. It has been estimated to be present in 10% of women ages 18-45 years old. It frequently remains undiagnosed, especially in those with milder symptoms.
Fact: There is no correlation between the severity of symptoms and the extent of the disease. We see patients with severe pain who have minimal disease while we see other patients with extensive disease and severe scarring who have minimal symptoms.
Fact: Teenagers are not too young to have endometriosis. In fact, two-thirds of women seek help for their symptoms prior to the age of 30 and many of those women had symptoms dating back into their teens.
Fact: Endometriosis can decrease a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. But many women with endometriosis have gotten pregnant on their own and others have done so with the help of a fertility specialist.
Fact: Symptoms of endometriosis frequently improve during pregnancy, but it is not a long-term cure. Often, symptoms return some time after delivery.
Fact: There is a stepwise approach to treating endometriosis. This includes pain medication, hormonal therapies, minimally invasive surgery and when a woman who is finished with child-bearing and still has significant symptoms, a hysterectomy is an option. You need to see your physician to determine the appropriate options for your personal situation.
