Guest Author - Sheila L McHughes
MYTH: There is nothing wrong with your tests, (these may involve numerous tests) so there is “nothing” wrong with you. It may even be suggested that there is a psychological problem; sexual abuse, drug abuse, attachment disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, etc. Many women are told that they must be imagining these symptoms.
FACT: Endometriosis has numerous symptoms and can only be diagnosed by a surgical procedure to actually physically see the disease, there are no tests. This surgical procedure will either be a Laparoscopy or Laparotomy.
MYTH: A woman’s cycle will sort itself out. No need to worry about your periods being months long on end, take some iron pills. Some women just have “weird” periods.
FACT: Do worry, this is not “normal” and it may affect your health. Locate a Physician that will assist you in getting the treatment that you need.
MYTH: All women have pain, take a midol. If that doesn’t work, take two. If that doesn’t work then you must be over sensitive to pain.
FACT: Endo is crippling with the pain that it can generate. We all have the “right to live free of pain”, continuous pain should not be acceptable.
MYTH: You are on Birth Control so this will prevent endometriosis and will keep it from getting any worse if you even have it. Many young teens will be told this as it has been a myth that teens do not develop endo.
FACT: Endo is hereditary and problems can start at a very young age. Taking Birth Control treatment will not guarantee that you will not have endo or that it will not become worse for you.
MYTH: You visit your doctor and you appear to be at least 6 months pregnant, you cannot wear your clothes any longer. Your doctor proceeds to tell you that you have a “fat gut”, his diagnosis. Mind you, he sits with his belly resting on his lap, you weigh in at 135 lbs. After the physical exam, you can not get off the exam table and you leave in terrible pain and tears.
FACT: You are in pain, endometriosis may be the problem, you need to see a Specialist immediately. This kind of treatment should not be accepted.
MYTH: If you want a child then you better do it now or you will never have children. After one child then you will no longer have any problems with endo, this is a cure.
FACT: There is no one that can predict your future. Miracles happen every day. The most important action to take is to receive positive treatment. A pregnancy is NOT a cure as many women experience increased problems from endo after a child.
MYTH: You need a hysterectomy as this is a “cure”.
FACT: This may very well “fix” any endo on the uterus and/or ovaries when removed. But, it is NOT a cure, for you may still have endo in other places.
MYTH: I will put you on Lupron, if the pain stops then we will know it is endo. Lupron will cure endo.
FACT: Lupron is NOT a cure nor is this the correct way to diagnose endometriosis. Please research this treatment as it can be extremely dangerous to your health.
It is extemely important to gain knowledge for any symptoms you experience so that you have the power to make a positive decision for your health.
