Suffering pain, childlessness may be needless

Page 15

Some Native women may suffer needlessly from pelvic pain and childlessness because they may not know they have a disease called endometriosis.

More than five million women in North America experience mild to severe endometriosis, which affects women in all cultures, according to the International Endometriosis Association.

"Native American and other women may believe their intense pain is normal or that speaking about it would be inappropriate," says Mary Lou Ballweg, association director, who has had endometriosis since age 16.

"It may be hard to discuss a pain that is very private, but finding out about endometriosis can lead to relief," Ballweg says.

Symptoms of endometriosis include chronic pelvic pain, disabling menstrual periods or moon time, and often infertility.

The disease occurs when tissues normally found in the uterus is also found on other pelvic organs, resulting in internal bleeding, formation of scar tissue, inflammation and other medical problems.

"Endometriosis is commonly thought to affect only white women between ages 24 and 45, but in many studies over the past 15 years the disease has been found to equally affect women and teens in all ethnic, age and income groups," Ballweg continues.

The disease may develop anytime from age 11 to age 50. Many women, especially those of traditional cultures, endure the pain and side effects without knowing they have the disease.

In addition to pelvic pain and potential infertility, symptoms may include painful intercourse, painful bowel movements or urination during the period, chronic fatigue, low resistance to infections and extensive allergies.

"Accurate diagnosis is very important, since treatment can relieve the pain and early treatment can deter the possibility of infection," Ballweg explains.

"If it seems as though few Native Americans have endometriosis. The reason may be due to lack of diagnosis," she observed.

She explained that it's important for women with pelvic pain to be aware that the problem might be endometriosis and to talk about their symptoms and the disease with nurses or doctors.

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. It cannot be cured, but it can be treated through medication and sometimes surgery to remove the endometrial growths. Extreme cases may call for a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, the disease often returns even after surgery.

Information on endometriosis, including how to order a diagnostic kit, may be obtained though the Endometriosis Association, 8585 N. 76th Place, Milwaukee, Wis. 53223.