MILA MINTSIS · MAY 05, 2023
March is known as an Endometriosis Awareness month. Every effort is made to reach out to the governing bodies, healthcare providers and the general public to educate them on what endometriosis is. And most importantly, the goal is to reach out to the large number of women, who have been suffering from a multitude of symptoms for years and have not been able to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is estimated that at least 1 in 10 women suffers from endometriosis. It is a disease that is prevalent, but yet is still largely unrecognized. On average, it takes 7-10 years from onset of symptoms for a woman to get diagnosed. Symptoms often get confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, fibroids, diverticulitis, or even cancer. If a medical provider fails to establish a specific cause, a woman is told that her symptoms are due to anxiety and are in her head.
So what is endometriosis? It is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the endometrium of uterus - migrates outside of the uterus - and implants in the pelvic and sometimes even in thoracic cavity. As it grows over time, it creates a lot of inflammation and forms adhesions and scar tissue; and that in turn disrupts proper organ function. As a result, urinary, bowel and pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, numbness, painful periods and excessive bleeding can all be symptoms of endometriosis. Shoulder pain, difficulty breathing and even pneumothorax can be signs of endometriosis implanted in the thoracic cavity. Endometriosis can be present in all ages and must be addressed at the first onset of symptoms.
Endometriosis Foundation of America is a non-profit organization founded by the world-renowned surgeon Dr. Tamer Seckin and a recognized author, television host and activist Padma Lakshmi. The organization strives to increase disease recognition and advocacy, supports research, as well as medical and surgical training for the treatment of endometriosis. Every year, EndoFound hosts events that help to support these causes. This year, I was honored to be invited to be a guest speaker, to discuss what role acupuncture plays in management of symptoms of endometriosis.
EndoFound Symposium was one of the most informative and well-organized events I have ever been to. I have also never met so many people that CARE. A group of experts presented on every topic related to the diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease and its symptoms. It was also interesting to listen to the women that have the disease, because they are the ones that educate us on what they need and how we can provide the care that they need. And of course it was a privilege to meet the distinguished Dr. Seckin himself - the man behind the endometriosis advocacy in the US, author of multiple books, and a superb surgeon who has helped thousands of women, and performed thousands of complicated excision surgeries.
I left the symposium feeling inspired and lucky to have met so many incredible people. It also felt great to contribute to such an important cause; and to be useful to the endometriosis community.
In the next blog post, I will discuss what information I shared at the symposium; and what acupuncture can do for women suffering from endometriosis.
#endometriosis #acupuncture #pelvicpain #dryneedling #dryneedlingNYC
In the next blog post, I will discuss what information I shared at the symposium; and what acupuncture can do for women suffering from endometriosis.
#endometriosis #acupuncture #pelvicpain #dryneedling #dryneedlingNYC