Talk to Your Doctor About Endometriosis
At least 5.5 million American women and 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis. Yet many women mistake this painful condition, when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of that organ, for regular menstrual cramps. And since some of the cramping and pelvic pain symptoms mimic those that women experience throughout the month, endometriosis can be misdiagnosed or just missed entirely.
Making sure this disorder is identified and treated properly is critical since untreated endometriosis can cause infertility, severe pain, irregular bleeding and possibly elevate the risk of cancer.
Here are some tips to ensure that your doctor is aware of all the issues surrounding your endometriosis:
Channel your inner reporter
- Dust off that diary and start taking notes whenever any pain occurs. Backaches? Shoulder pain? They may be related to the endometriosis so jot it down. Recording when and where the pain occurs is a great way for your doctor to be able to better pinpoint the cause.
- Speak up and ask all the questions necessary. You’re the one who’s most intimate with your pain and symptoms. Make sure you completely understand endometriosis and all the treatment options available. There are treatment options for women who don’t want to undergo a hysterectomy, such as endometrial ablation surgery and endometriosis resection. Dealing with infertility? Ask the doctor about ways to improve fertility.
Be ready
- It can be nerve-racking remembering exactly what occurred once you sit down on the examining table. Plan ahead and write down what needs to be discussed with your doctor. That way you don’t suddenly remember a point you had wanted to make on the way out the door.
- The doctor will want to know what medications, if any, you’re currently taking. Writing down the names and dosages is helpful or just bring all of the prescriptions along for the visit.
- Medical records are essential. Sometimes the doctor won’t have all of these on hand, so make sure you’re prepared just in case.
Thankfully there are many treatment options available to help women who suffer from endometriosis. To find out the best way to treat your endometriosis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghozland at 310.299.7143.