March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects over 5.5 million women in the United States and Canada. Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium (tissue that lines the uterus) is found on the outside of the uterus and affects other reproductive areas of the body. These include the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the area between the vagina and rectum, around the uterus and the pelvic cavity. The growth can also spread to other areas like the bladder, cervix, vulva and bowels.

When women have their menstrual cycle, the uterine lining builds up, breaks down and then sheds. The blood and tissue from endometriosis builds up basically the same way but has no way of leaving the body, as menstrual blood does through the vagina. What then results for these women is internal bleeding and inflammation that cause intense pain, bowel problems, infertility problems and other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis include fatigue, infertility, painful sexual intercourse, intense pain before and during the menstrual cycle, painful urination and bowel movements during menstrual cycle, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, allergies, chemical sensitivities and frequent yeast infections.

In the latter part of 2002, National Endometriosis Awareness Month was made official by Congress and the House Concurrent Resolution 291. The goal of National Endometriosis Awareness Month is to raise the public's awareness of this chronic disease as well as that of the medical community. In Europe, Australia, and South America, Endometriosis Awareness is for one week each March.

The awareness campaign with highlight the need for further research, further treatments and for physicians to have a better understanding and compassion for their patients with this chronic disease. The need for a cure is also highly addressed.

If you have endometriosis, or suspect that you do, there are many resources online to help you deal with your condition. As always, you should see your doctor if you have not been officially diagnosed.

Online Resources for Endometriosis