Up to 15% of reproductive-aged women have endometriosis today. That percentage could be higher, as many women with endometriosis symptoms don’t report them or get a diagnosis.
Even among women who have a diagnosis, the disease is often undertreated. Some women think that because there’s no cure for endometriosis yet, there’s no path to feeling better. But, that’s not true: Endometriosis is a highly treatable condition, but you have to reach out for help.
Here at Dr. Dee L. Hubbard, M.D., the private practice of esteemed board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Dee Hubbard (our patients fondly call her Dr. Dee), we offer compassionate endometriosis care. From the first time you come to us with symptoms to getting a diagnosis and customized treatment plans, we support you in the way that works best for you.
Endometriosis education is also a big part of what we do. Dr. Dee is passionate about empowering our patients through knowledge about their bodies and health. One of the questions we often hear is, “What happens if I don’t get treatment for endometriosis?”
We cover that answer below and give you new hope for feeling better.
The effects of endometriosis
To understand what happens with untreated endometriosis, you need to know about its possible effects.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is the most common endometriosis symptom. The pain can appear in many ways, including:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain after sex
- Discomfort during bowel movements or urination
- Chronic low back pain
Many women experience multiple or all of these types of pain.
Abnormal bleeding
Heavy bleeding and bleeding between periods are both common problems in women with endometriosis. Usually, abnormal bleeding and pain occur together.
Infertility
Infertility is strongly associated with endometriosis, affecting up to half of women with the disease.
It may surprise you to learn that up to 25% of women with endometriosis have no symptoms. But, whether you have obvious symptoms or not, endometriosis can have some damaging effects if left untreated.
The effects of untreated endometriosis
If you have endometriosis symptoms, those problems may grow steadily worse without treatment. There’s an exception, though: Most women with endometriosis symptoms experience relief after menopause.
Even if you don’t have physical symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding, you could still experience serious effects.
The more time your endometriosis has to progress, the more damage it can do to your reproductive system. The endometrial tissue — an overgrowth of your uterine lining — can block your fallopian tubes so fertilization can’t happen.
Endometriosis can also damage your ovaries and decrease your ovarian reserve (the number of healthy viable eggs you have available). All of these things can contribute to fertility problems.
If Dr. Dee diagnoses you with endometriosis, she immediately talks about disease management strategies with you.
Many treatment options are available, including hormone therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and new drugs like Orlissa® to help manage endo symptoms effectively. Other new drugs are on the horizon, as well.
If you’re done having kids, a surgical procedure such as endometrial ablation may be right for you. It removes the uterine lining and usually stops or greatly lessens periods and endo symptoms. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dee sends you to a gynecologic surgeon she knows and trusts. You can then return to her for medical management care right afterward.
There are always solutions for endometriosis, so don’t let it harm your health or derail your life. Phone our office at 443-251-2996 or reach out online to connect with us today.