Endometriosis is a chronic and painful disorder that affects millions of women in the world. Although it is a common one, it is also a misconceived concept. It is because of myths and misinformation about the condition that many women live with the symptoms for years before they are correctly diagnosed. Such myths not only postpone treatment but also have an impact on the physical and emotional health of a woman.

In The Pelvinic Floor Clinic, Dr Meenakshi is regularly faced with patients who have long held to these myths. It is time to demystify some of the most prevalent myths about endometriosis that you need to disbelieve.

Myth 1: Every woman has painful periods.

Among the greatest lies is the fact that severe period pains are normal and something women have to endure. Although occasional severe pains are usual, excruciating pains that hamper normal tasks are not normal.

The pain of endometriosis can be acute and can be accompanied by cramps, lower back pain, pelvic pain, and pain that persists even after periods. When your period pain influences your work, sleep, or quality of life, then you should visit a gynaecologist.

Myth 2: Endometriosis is an issue of the uterus.

Most individuals think that endometriosis can only develop in the uterus, which is not the case. Endometriosis is a condition that is caused by the development of tissue like the uterine lining outside the uterus.

The growths may be located on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic ligaments, bladder, bowel, and even beyond the pelvis. This is the reason why symptoms may be very diverse, such as digestive problems, urinary problems, and chronic pains of the pelvis.

Myth 3: You can only have endometriosis if you have severe pain

The amount of pain experienced by endometriosis varies among women. Some women suffer a lot of pain, and others might suffer mild pain or no pain. This is a harmful myth, as women not in extreme pain could postpone getting medical assistance.

Even in the absence of symptoms, endometriosis may progress and lead to complications, including infertility or the involvement of organs. The check-ups and proper evaluation should be conducted regularly, even in cases where the pain is not severe.

Myth 4: Endometriosis only impacts women in their 30s and 40s

Endometriosis is a disease that may occur in any woman, even teenagers. Most women complain of symptoms shortly after the onset of the first period, yet the diagnosis can take years.

These symptoms should not be ignored by teenagers with very painful periods, heavy bleeding, or persistent pain in the pelvis. The condition can be better managed by early diagnosis, which will lead to complications in the later stages of life.

Myth 5: Pregnancy is a treatment for endometriosis.

Endometriosis cannot be cured during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can temporarily alleviate some of the symptoms for some women during pregnancy, but this does not mean that the condition is gone.

The symptoms tend to come back after childbirth. The use of pregnancy as a form of treatment is not medically right and causes one to postpone suitable care. Endometriosis needs to be treated individually, depending on the symptoms, age, and future child-bearing intentions.

Myth 6: Endometriosis will always lead to infertility.

Although endometriosis may have an impact on fertility, not every woman with endometriosis has a hard time conceiving. A good number of women give birth to healthy pregnancies naturally.

Depending on the location and extent of the disease, it can affect fertility. Timely treatment and diagnosis can help improve fertility. A gynaecologist may advise you on the most suitable way in case you intend to get pregnant.

Myth 7: Surgery is the treatment of choice

Endometriosis can be treated not only by surgery. Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms, age, and reproductive strategies.

Medical treatment, which consists of pain medication, hormonal treatment, lifestyle changes and physiotherapy, can be highly effective. Surgery is considered as a rule when other means of treatment have been ineffective or when complications arise. Much depends on a personalised and balanced approach.

Myth 8: Endometriosis pain is all in the head

Unfortunately, most of the women are informed that their pain is mental or hyped. Endometriosis pain is not imaginary, and medical evidence supports it.

Mental health may also be impacted by chronic pain, causing anxiety and depression, but this does not imply that the condition is not real. Adequate medical care and compassion are significant in the treatment of physical and emotional symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Endometriosis is not a simple thing, and the knowledge of the truth can be a significant step. Thinking myths usually causes late diagnosis and suffering, which is unnecessary. The initial step in the right direction to a healthy body will be by listening to your body and consulting a professional medical expert.

In case you have painful periods, chronic pains of the pelvis, or some unexplained symptoms, do not disregard them. To have an expert diagnosis, customised treatment, and caring medical attention, visit Dr Meenakshi at The Pelvinic Floor Clinic. Early treatment can help you gain control over endometriosis and improve your quality of life.