To all women out there who have questions about their gynecological health and either have not gotten the answers they desire and deserve, have been consistently misdiagnosed and/or are not well informed of their family history: you are not alone.

While this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, there are several other diseases that plague women today, one of which, endometriosis, has been lost in the shuffle despite it also having its own awareness month.

This letter’s purpose is to begin educating you about this disease so that if you believe you or a loved one may suffer from it, then you will be able to pass along the information and raise awareness to it.

Endometriosis is classified into one of four stages based upon the exact location, extent and depth of the endometriosis implants as well as the presence and severity of scar tissue and the presence and size of endometrial implants in the ovaries. The stage of endometriosis is not related to the degree of symptoms a woman experiences, but infertility is common with stage four endometriosis.

When women experience signs and symptoms of endometriosis they may include: pain (usually pelvic) that usually occurs just before menstruation and lessens after menstruation, pain/cramping during intercourse, pain/cramping during bowel movements or urination, infertility as well as pain with pelvic examinations, low back pain, chronic fatigue, irregular or heavy menstruation, among others. The intensity of the pain can vary from month to month, and can vary greatly among affected women.

My fellow women, I plead with you: please do your research. Keep trying new OB/GYNs until you find one who is well educated enough to provide you with the correct diagnosis, endometriosis or not.

To read my complete letter, please visit: themeofthedayshelbymarie.blogspot.com.

Shelby Marie

Cassopolis