Odds are that you know a woman that has experienced endometriosis pain at some point in her life. The condition, which affects millions of women in the US, occurs when endometrial (uterine lining) tissue extends beyond the uterus. This overgrowth of tissue can affect the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, pelvic walls, and other organs, leading to considerable discomfort, issues with menstruation, and other difficulties. While it’s true that endometriosis is among the most common reproductive health concerns for women, many people may not realize just how common it really is.
To help illustrate the impact that endometriosis has on women in the US, the reproductive healthcare providers at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett wanted to share the following statistics:
- It is estimated that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years (between ages 15-49)
- About 6.5 million women in the US are currently living with endometriosis
- Somewhere between 30% – 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility, making it one of the leading causes of infertility in women
- The North American Endometriosis Association Survey (NAEAS) surveyed 4,000 women with endometriosis and determined that the average delay in diagnosis was 9.28 years after feeling initial symptoms
- According to the National Institutes of Health, it can take as many as 11 years in some cases between the onset of pain symptoms and the final diagnosis of endometriosis
There may not be a cure for endometriosis, but that doesn’t mean women with this condition have to live in pain. At Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, we offer several treatment options for endometriosis including birth control pills, GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) agonists, or gynecological surgery. Our board-certified gynecologists work with the women who come into our office to discuss all their alternatives in-depth and find the most appropriate and helpful treatment option available. For more information on endometriosis or to request an appointment with one of our reproductive healthcare providers, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, and more.
