Time To Call The Doctor Is This Pain Normal? (Endometriosis)

 

By Merita Tyrell-Mitchell

MS, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

 

Just because something is common does not make it normal. Growing up, many of you may have eavesdrop on many so called “grown up” conversations where the topic of discussion was about a young girl coming of age at the onset of her menstrual cycle.

During these discussions, you might have overheard the tales of many young females who complained of experiencing severe pain or cramps during their menstrual cycle. These cries of severe pain were usually followed by, “It’s Mother Nature’s monthly wake up call   to   remind   to   remind   you   of womanhood; it’s normal to experience severe pain during your teenage years; you’ll grow out of it; everyone suffers from terrible period pain; just accept it; or my mother suffered  from debilitating pain, so it’s normal”.

Unfortunately,  these words then become etched into every female’s mind; they grow up believing them to be facts. Regardless of what we overheard or what we were taught, painful period pains are not normal.

According to an article from www.endometriosis.org, 70% of teenage females with chronic pelvic pain suffers from Endometriosis. “Endometriosis is when tissue that is similar to the lining of a woman’s womb is found on the outside the  uterus;    it    induces  a  chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in scar tissues; and is primarily found on the pelvic, on the ovaries, in the recto vaginal septum and also on the bladder and bowel”. (www.endometriosis.org). Despite it being one of the most common conditions affecting women of all races, many claims have been made about how elusive it has been to the medical communities.

If not diagnosed early, many females who face this elusive disease usually experience ravaging and depressing thoughts. Echoed from the chambers of their thoughts are, “These symptoms are driving me crazy; is this just in my head; is this pain normal or should I go see a doctor.”

Pelvic pain should always be taken seriously; for it can impact one’s quality of life as well as compromise their fertility. According to research published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care (JFPRHC), endometriosis can also affect a woman’s sex life, personal and intimate relationships, work life and her emotional wellbeing. If you experience debilitating pain during your menstrual cycle that does not respond well to pain medications, then “Yes”, it is Time To Call The Doctor.

According to Dr. Lebovic, M.D., assistant professor of Obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School, there is no known cause of Endometriosis. He also reports that there is a high possibility that certain genes predispose women to develop the disease. A careful evaluation by one’s gynecologist is necessary for a diagnosis. This usually involves a medical assessment of your symptoms, a pelvic exam and a transvaginal ultrasound.

The diagnosis of endometriosis is usually followed by a lot of questions; some are easily answered and some unfortunately are not; there is no manual or fix me books when it comes to the disease. At the end of the day, each individual has to think about their condition and what is in their best interest; everyone’s experience is different. Early detection is vital to help treat and eradicate the effects of endometriosis. Contact your gynecologist if you think you may be suffering from endometriosis. Ask your doctor about treatment options and treatment outcomes. Do your own research and be adequately inform. The decisions you make can have long term effects and consequences on your health. Be informed and Self- Advocate.

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Merita Tyrell, M.S, LMFT

 

Merita is a licensed marital and family therapist with over nine years of experience. She assesses and treats mental and emotional disorders, health and behavioral issues, and interpersonal problems within the family context.

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