Endometriosis Pop Quiz

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue grows outside of the uterus and in other areas of the pelvis, such as the ovaries and pelvic walls, causing uncomfortable side effects, like extreme pelvic pain, irregular menstrual bleeding, and pain during intercourse. Although an estimated 10% of women in childbearing age are diagnosed with endometriosis, there are still many misconceptions out there.

Test your knowledge of endometriosis by using the flashcards below, and see if you can ace the Endometriosis Pop Quiz by decoding fact from fiction.

Endometriosis is a rare condition.

MYTH: Endometriosis is actually fairly common, but often undiagnosed. Endometriosis symptoms are often dismissed as part of a typical period, with most women waiting an estimated seven years before a proper diagnosis. Up to 10% of women may have endometriosis, and it can also affect transgender men, even if on testosterone treatment.

Endometriosis is just a really bad period.

MYTH: Endometriosis is a pelvic disorder that can impact your health. The most common symptoms of endometriosis include pain with periods, pain with sex or bowel movements, and irregular bleeding. While many women are told that these are “normal” period symptoms, extreme pain or other persistent bothersome symptoms like these can indicate an underlying condition like endometriosis. They should be evaluated by a gynecologist.

Endometriosis can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

FACT: Endometriosis can cause infertility. In fact, almost 50% of women experiencing infertility may have endometriosis. Endometriosis can generate an inflammatory response, causing problematic scar tissue.

Endometriosis can't be fixed.

MYTH: Surgery can help alleviate symptoms. Endometriosis is a treatable condition, with diagnosis made by laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive option that uses a small camera to determine if endometrial lesions are present and allows the surgeon to safely remove any visible endometriosis. There are also a variety of treatment options that can help endometriosis symptoms, including birth control, progesterone IUDs or anti-inflammatory medications.

If you suspect you may have endometriosis, talk to your Axia Women’s Health provider who can assess your symptoms and work with you to develop a proper plan for treatment, if needed.