March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and our team at Memphis Obstetrics and Gynecological Association has a strong stance on this debilitating condition. Let’s explore the symptoms, available treatment options, and support resources for those impacted by endometriosis.
Myths About Endometriosis
We’re going to begin by exploring a number of misconceptions that are fairly widespread about endometriosis. You’ve likely heard at least one or two of these statements.
Myth 1: “Endometriosis only affects older women.”
Truth: Endometriosis can impact girls and women of all ages, starting as early as adolescence. Early intervention can dramatically improve quality of life and manage symptoms effectively.
Myth 2: “Endometriosis is always easy to detect with ultrasound or scans.”
Truth: Ultrasounds and imaging often miss endometriosis, particularly small lesions or implants deep within pelvic structures. A definitive diagnosis currently requires laparoscopic surgery (visual inspection and biopsy), meaning scans alone often aren’t enough.
Myth 3: “Hysterectomy (removing the uterus) always cures endometriosis.”
Truth: Endometrial implants often grow outside the uterus, so removing the uterus alone doesn’t guarantee relief. Endometriosis can persist after hysterectomy if all the abnormal tissues aren’t completely removed by specialized excision surgery.
Myth 4: “Hormonal treatment permanently cures endometriosis.”
Truth: Hormonal treatments can help manage symptoms, but do not cure the underlying condition. These therapies may offer temporary relief by suppressing symptoms, but generally don’t eliminate endometrial implants.
Myth 5: “Endometriosis will go away after menopause.”
Truth: Menopause might reduce some symptoms due to decreased estrogen levels, but existing scar tissue, adhesions, and related complications can persist or cause ongoing discomfort.
A Major Diagnostic Challenge
Endometriosis is notorious for being tough to diagnose, simply because so many symptoms overlap with those of women’s menstrual health and other miscellaneous conditions. Here are a few of the primary reasons it’s so difficult to pin down a diagnosis:
1. Non-specific Symptoms:
Endometriosis symptoms—such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, digestive issues, and fatigue—can mimic other common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, or urinary disorders, leading to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment.
2. Lack of Awareness and Normalization:
Until the last couple of decades, women and some healthcare providers mistakenly normalized severe menstrual pain as “just part of being a woman,” leading to improper recognition and evaluation. This consistent cultural tendency to dismiss menstrual discomfort has been a major factor in avoiding proper investigation.
3. Diagnostic Challenges
- No Simple Screening Test: As of 2025, there’s no reliable non-invasive test (such as blood tests or ultrasounds) that definitively diagnoses endometriosis. Ultrasounds and MRIs can detect larger cysts or lesions but often miss smaller, deeply embedded endometrial implants.
- Surgical Confirmation: Definitive diagnosis generally requires minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, involving direct visual inspection and biopsy. Since most surgery is perceived as invasive, it’s often put off until symptoms are severe or significantly impacting quality of life.
4. Variable Presentation of Disease:
Endometriosis varies widely in severity, location, and extent. Some women experience intense pain with minimal visible disease, while others have extensive endometriosis but relatively mild symptoms. This variability often complicates accurate diagnosis.
Endometriosis Treatment Options
We are pleased to tell you that there are more treatment options now than ever before. These will be fully customized based on factors like severity of symptoms, reproductive goals, existing medical conditions, and patient preferences.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, or prescribed medications to manage discomfort.
- Hormonal Therapies:
- GnRH Agonists: Temporarily reduce estrogen production, easing symptoms by shrinking endometrial growth.
- Birth Control: Helps regulate periods, reduce menstrual pain, and slow endometrial growth.
- Progestins: Methods like IUDs or oral contraceptives are used to control symptoms and suppress tissue growth.
Surgical Treatment
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: MOGA proudly offers advanced surgical technology that enhances precision and minimizes recovery time compared to traditional methods.
- Hysterectomy: Considered only in severe cases when other treatments are ineffective, involving the removal of the uterus and possibly the ovaries.
Complementary and Holistic Approaches
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Adjustments: Diet changes, including anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich options, can alleviate symptoms.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in consistent physical activity may reduce pain and improve overall health.
- Alternative Therapies: Some patients find relief through acupuncture, yoga, or mindfulness techniques that help manage pain and stress.
Raising Awareness
Endometriosis is generally much more significant than an occasional annoyance—it can do actual damage to a woman’s daily life and work schedule. Please know that if you’re suffering from symptoms, we want to take your condition seriously and help you navigate an effective treatment. Please come visit your nearest MOGA office in East Memphis, Wolfchase, or DeSoto.