Endometriosis symptoms often ignored

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Anywhere from two to ten percent of reproductive age women have a condition called endometriosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites around 5 million women in the United States have endometriosis, also known as endo, making it one of the most common health problems for women.

Endometriosis is when menstrual tissue that's supposed to be in the uterus gets inside the body cavity.

"It has its own period every month and that's what causes pain because it shouldn't be inside. It should be coming out," Dr. Geoffrey Cly from Northeast OB/Gyn said. "The [endo] cells get into [the body tissue] and it swells and trys to have a period. It causes a blister inside on those surfaces."

If left untreated, endo can cause infertility, and is a leading cause of women infertility. Many women live with symptoms for years before seeing a doctor, including me.

It wasn't until I had a painful bump on my belly button for more than a year that I went to see a doctor about it. Dr. Cly  thought it looked like endo had started growing in my belly button, but the only way to know for sure was to have surgery.

"You had endo up much higher than most endometriosis," Dr. Cly said.

It didn't take long in surgery for Dr. Cly to know I did in fact have endometriosis, and a biopsy of the cells confirmed it. I had endo growing on my abdominal wall and bowel. Luckily, I didn't have any on my tubes or uterus, so I should be able to have a family one day.

"It was nice [that is showed up in your belly button] in a way because we were able to get in and get it early so there isn't any major damage," Dr. Cly said. "Without that sign, you may have not known for a while and there might have been damage on the tubes or overies."

Now I am controlling my endo with hormone shots and birth control to keep it from growing back too quickly.

"The best thing now is to stay on top of it. Depo Lupron treats it and knocks it out, and then we'll limit periods after the Lupron wears off," Dr. Cly said.

My endo will grow back eventually. There is no cure. You can only try to control it. Dr. Cly said I should have children in the next few years... to that I say... "I'm getting married in October first! Then we'll see."

"Start thinking of moving in the direction of having a family sooner instead of waiting three to five years because that gives the endo more time to try to cause more problems," Dr. Cly said.

I chose to share my story because when I was going through my diagnosis I found many women didn't know what endometriosis was. It is a common women's health issue and because it can lead to infertility if not treated early, I felt it was important to help educate men and women by talking about my experience.

Feel free to ask me questions. Send me an email or message me on Twitter!

You can read more about endometriosis by clicking on the stories on the left side of this story. Dr. Cly also explains the different topics.