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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Endometriosis

Ok, since it is the day before Easter (which by the way "Happy Easter Everyone"), I will make this short and sweet and follow up with another post on Monday. I have done some research as to what may actually be going on with my "not-so-old" but aging female body and this seemed interesting. Back in August when I started these unusual menstrual cycles and abdominal pain, a doctor friend stated that it may be endometriosis. Though, since he was not a gynocologist, I needed to seek a second opinion and was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Now, though it is not proven that endometriosis causes cervical cancer, it has been proven to effect the cervix, vagina, ovaries, and other reproductive parts of the female body. I have compiled a list of some facts for you such as symptoms and reproductive health as quoted from wikipedia.
Symptoms:
  • pelvic pain-----"Symptoms of endometriosic-related pain may include:
dysmenorrhea – painful, sometimes disabling menstrual cramps; pain may get worse over time (progressive pain), also lower back pains linked to the pelvis
chronic pelvic pain – typically accompanied by lower back pain or abdominal pain
dyspareunia – painful sex
dyschezia – painful bowel movements
dysuria – urinary urgency, frequency, and sometimes painful voiding"
  • infertility
  • nausea, vomiting, vertigo or diarrhea—particularly just prior to or during the period
  • frequent menses flow or short menstrual cycle
  • heavy or long menstrual periods
  • some women may also suffer mood swings and fatigue
If you or anyone you know has these symptoms...please do not feel shy about bringing up the subject of endometriosis to your doctor.

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