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When Life Is a Pain

The Facts on Endometriosis

By Carma Haley

"I didn't begin experiencing painful menses or [painful] sexual intercourse until about a year after my third child was born," says Kristina Powers, a student and mother of three from Petersburg, VA. "I began having very bad pain with intercourse, my period, and had back pain almost all the time. It was hard to figure out what was wrong, but as the pain got worse, my doctor suggested endometriosis."

There are many women who suffer from, but are not aware of, endometriosis. Diagnosis is extensive, invasive – and costly. Doctors and patients may choose to treat the signs and symptoms of endometriosis rather then partake in an actual diagnosis. "It is suspected that approximately 10 percent of women of reproductive age have endometriosis," says Dr. Michael. "But it is hard to say exactly how many women actually have endometriosis because it is a condition where diagnosis requires laparoscopy or some type of invasive surgery. Most woman will just be treated by their symptoms so we won't necessarily diagnose them. There are certain things a doctor can feel on pelvic exam that may also indicate the evidence or suspicion of endometriosis, but more than likely acual diagnosis requires a more invasive procedure such as a laparoscopy."

"My doctor has told me that he feels that my condition is endometriosis but doesn't suggest that I have the procedure done for diagnosis," says Powers. "I'm not arguing with that because I trust his judgment and the treatments for the condition are working so far. Besides, the last thing I want to do is have to have surgery, and without insurance, it would be too expensive."

Want to see more?

• Safeguard Your Fertility: 6 Simple Steps
• Making Sense of PCOS: Answers to Common Questions
• The Painful Truth: Living With Endometriosis
• Talk about it!