Endometriosis myths
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The list can go on and on with how many myths have circulated around Endometriosis over the last few decades.
We've compiled a list of our top favourites myths that we know are in fact FALSE!
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Myth: Endometriosis is just bad period pain.
- Fact: While painful periods are a common symptom, Endometriosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, infertility and pain during intercourse or bowel movements. It is a complex, systemic condition that goes beyond menstrual pain.
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Myth: Endometriosis only affects women/born female at birth during their reproductive years.
- Fact: Endometriosis can affect women/born female at birth of any age, from adolescence through menopause. Many people continue to experience symptoms even after menopause, particularly if they are on hormone replacement therapy.
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Myth: Pregnancy cures Endometriosis.
- Fact: While some women may experience temporary relief from symptoms during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, pregnancy is not a cure for Endometriosis. Symptoms often return after childbirth and in many cases even worse than before pregnancy.
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Myth: Hysterectomy cures Endometriosis.
- Fact: A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may relieve symptoms for some women, but it is not a guaranteed cure. Endometriosis can occur outside the uterus, on the ovaries, bowel and other organs throughout the human body, so removing the uterus alone may not eliminate all Endometriosis.
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Myth: Endometriosis can always be diagnosed through imaging tests.
- Fact: While imaging tests like ultrasounds and MRIs can sometimes detect deep infiltrating Endometriosis, in majority of cases, the condition requires a laparoscopic surgery with a confirmed biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. Endometriosis lesions can be very small or located in areas not easily visualised with imaging.
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Myth: Birth control pills cure Endometriosis.
- Fact: Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, can help manage symptoms but does not cure Endometriosis. They may reduce pain and slow the growth of the disease but does not eliminate the disease.
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Myth: Endometriosis is rare.
- Fact: Endometriosis is relatively common, affecting approximately 1 in 7 women/born female at birth. Despite it's prevalence, it often takes years for women/born female at birth to receive a correct diagnosis due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition.
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Myth: Severe pain means severe Endometriosis.
- Fact: The severity of pain does not always correlate with the severity of the condition. Some people with minimal Endometriosis may experience severe pain, while others with extensive disease may have mild or no symptoms.
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Myth: Endometriosis only affects the pelvic area.
- Fact: While Endometriosis primarily affects the pelvic region, it has also been found on every major organ of the human body.
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Myth: Endometriosis can be prevented.
- Fact: Symptoms can be reduced by following diets, living a healthy lifestyle, reducing fragrant products, however there is currently no known way to prevent/cure Endometriosis. The exact cause of Endometriosis is still not fully understood and therefore, there are no definitive preventive measures or "one treatment fits all."
Addressing these myths is crucial for increasing awareness and understanding of Endometriosis, leading to better support, diagnosis and treatment for those affected.
PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible.