March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a painful condition of the uterus that affects one in 10 women. However, many women may not recognize the symptoms or seek help.

A recent survey by HealthyWomen, a leading independent health resource, reports that less than a one-third of women correctly recognized the painful symptoms of endometriosis which includes pelvic pain and pain with intercourse, among other symptoms. Nearly half the women who responded to the survey who identified themselves as being diagnosed with endometriosis said they were told by their healthcare professionals that their pain was simply “part of being a woman.” More info on this survey and awareness can be found at: www.meinendo.com as part of a campaign called “Get in the Know about ME in Endometriosis.”  #MEinEndo

Pain in any form is not normal, and no one should assume or be told it is. Endometriosis is painful and it can impact a woman’s quality of life. 86% of the women respondents in the HealthyWomen survey said the condition interferes with their day-to-day activities.  OB/GYN Dr. Jeannie Kim,  Columbia University Medical Center (Columbia Doctors), joined me on Fearless Fabulous You! March 13 to explain endometriosis: cause, risk reduction, symptoms and management.

 

In addition to providing routine gynecologic care, Dr Kim specializes in gynecologic endoscopy, including robotic surgery, advanced laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and in the treatment of women with chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding and vulvar pain. Dr. Kim regularly presents at national and international conferences, and led the establishment of a laparoscopic training program in Ghana.

Listen here:

About Endometriosis:  

Source: www.meinendo.com

Endometriosis (en-doh-mee-tre e-OH-sis) occurs when tissue that is normally found in the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus; these misplaced growths are called lesions. This misplaced tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other areas around the pelvis; or rarely, tissue may spread beyond the pelvic region. Estrogen fuels the growth of lesions, which then bleed and break down, causing painful symptoms.

Symptoms include: 

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