Though many women never think about the stages of endometriosis until they are told they have it, it is probably a more common condition than most realize. Endometriosis is the build up of endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. This can lead to pain and infertility issues.
There are some treatments for it, but no cure. Any women of reproductive age may develop this condition, but the exact reason why some get it and some don’t seems to be a mystery. Though it is estimated that only five percent of women (of reproductive age) have endometriosis, the numbers might be much higher. What is more confusing is that the early stages of endometriosis can go unnoticed.
Some studies suggest that women who begin their periods at a very young age might have a slightly higher risk for developing endometriosis. It would also seem that those with this condition have shorter cycles, with heavier and longer periods than other women of reproductive age. These alone are not signs that a person has endometriosis, but they are similarities in diagnosed cases. Though a genetic link is not certain, a woman is more likely to suffer from endometriosis if a close female member of family, such as her mother, aunt or sister, has it.
Some of the early stages of this condition are quite vague, and a diagnosis might be a matter of elimination. One of the first signs is experiencing problems conceiving. This may not be evident early because there is a current trend for women to put off having children until their thirties for a variety of reasons. Infertility has many causes though, so this sign is often an ambiguous one. When other reasons for infertility are ruled out, a doctor might then begin to look for signs of endometriosis if they are not exceedingly obvious.
Another of the early signs of endometriosis is an unusual amount or increase in pain during a woman’s period. Though some women notice this, others have had this problem for a long time and they think it is the way it is supposed to be. The cramping, bloating, and pain will be more severe, and the periods will tend to last longer. A woman might also notice that she has abnormal spotting before her period begins. Some with this condition complain of pain during intercourse. However, some severe cases may present no pain what-so-ever. When that happens, diagnosis can only come in the later stages, and can be trickier to treat.
While treatment is much easier if identified early, this often isn’t possible. Treatment might be quicker and easier if found early, and fertility might be restored much quicker, even if the window might still be somewhat slim.
Many women with this condition find some relief though hormone therapy, and are able to have children and enjoy relief from their symptoms. Some women with this think they may never have children, but go on to have large families. There is no cure, but if the early stages of endometriosis are noticed, it can be managed much more easily.
Don’t forget to sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that uncovers effective ways to help women combat endometriosis symptoms at Treating Your Endometriosis . You’ll also find more about the different " target="_self" stages of endometriosis and how to go about getting a diagnosis.
