Endometriosis affects roughly one out of every ten women in the US, making it one of the most common reproductive health conditions in women. Despite how common it is, endometriosis remains a bit of a mystery. This is why our board-certified gynecologists here at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett wanted to help clear the air on this complex and important subject. Continue reading below as our experts debunk some of the most common myths about endometriosis and how it affects women.
Myth #1: Endometriosis Does Not Affect Young Women
Although the condition is most common for women who are in their 30’s and 40’s, the reality is that endometriosis can develop as early as a girl’s first period. Some gynecologists may not consider a diagnosis of endometriosis when teenage girls and younger women report familiar endometriosis symptoms such as pelvic pain and or pain during menstruation. However, women in their late teens or early 20’s are not too young to have endometriosis.
Myth #2: Having Endometriosis Means You Won’t Need to Take Birth Control
This is absolutely false. While it’s true that endometriosis can be associated with fertility issues in some women, the truth is that this is only the case for between 30-40% of women with endometriosis. We strongly recommend for women who do not wish to become pregnant to continue using their preferred birth control method even after an endometriosis diagnosis.
Myth #3: Irregular Bleeding is Always a Sign of Endometriosis
While it’s true that irregular bleeding is one of the symptoms most commonly associated with endometriosis, there are other reproductive health conditions that can also lead to abnormal menstruation. This includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It’s very important to be proactive after detecting irregular bleeding patterns and to get a timely diagnosis and begin potential treatment (if necessary) as soon as possible.
Knowledge is a very powerful tool in the fight for reproductive wellness. For women who do experience endometriosis, we offer a wide variety of treatment options including medications and surgical treatments to help ease your symptoms and get you back to feeling your very best. For more information on endometriosis or to request an appointment with one of our reproductive healthcare experts today, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. And don’t forget to ask about our full-service medical spa, MadEmEl Medical Aesthetics.
