Washington, D.C. – To help shine a light on endometriosis, a condition often characterized as confusing and enigmatic—the month of March is dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public, and increasing access to endometriosis resources to help women make better healthcare decisions. Acknowledging and assisting with this effort, Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), a national leader in infertility and IVF, provides free resources for their patients and the community about how to overcome this diagnosis for women who are trying to conceive.
To help support those affected by endometriosis, Dr. Sunita Kulshrestha of SGF’s Waldorf, MD, office will host a virtual Endometriosis webinar on Thursday, March 26.
“While having endometriosis does not necessarily mean that one will experience infertility, those afflicted with the condition are at a higher risk of developing infertility,” says Dr. Kulshrestha. “For women with known or suspected endometriosis, especially those with what is called stage 3 or 4 endometriosis (meaning significant lesions or adhesions that can cause anatomic distortion), we recommend a fertility evaluation sooner rather than later.”
Endometriosis is a common condition in which cells that ordinarily line the uterine cavity reside in the pelvis leading to cyclic pelvic pain, inflammation, and sometimes scarring in and around the fallopian tubes. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
“Most patients with endometriosis will have very painful periods. Sometimes those painful periods can be associated with back pain, or rectal pain, and sometimes patients will have pain with intercourse as well,” adds Dr. Kulshrestha. “Endometriosis can be suspected through both clinical symptoms and some non-invasive imaging. The only way to confirm the diagnosis however is through a surgical evaluation of the pelvis.”
In addition to the free webinar in March, SGF offers a complimentary Getting Pregnant with Endometriosis eBook to inform and educate, covering topics such as common symptoms, how endometriosis is diagnosed, the impact the condition has on fertility, treatment options, and the success rates associated with fertility treatment. Patient stories from couples who have overcome infertility are also included. While endometriosis treatment approaches fall on a range of simple to complex, the eBook covers the topic from the patient’s point of view—with guidance dependent on symptoms and whether the woman is trying to conceive or not.
Advocacy is an important aspect of Endometriosis Awareness Month. Whether it’s by women sharing their individual fertility story or supporting others struggling with endometriosis, this month provides a platform to join the conversation. Become a part of SGF’s active community on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to empower and uplift other women struggling with endometriosis.
“It’s important to understand your diagnosis as it relates to your fertility, and to be proactive if you are trying to conceive. By seeing a fertility specialist, you can best understand your endometriosis management options and align them with your family building goals,” says Dr. Kulshrestha.
To learn more about common causes to infertility such as endometriosis, SGF physicians host over 150 complimentary patient education events—in person and virtual—each year. To learn more, visit SGF’s calendar of events. To schedule an appointment with an SGF physician at one of 28 locations call the SGF New Patient Center at 888-761-1967.
About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)
SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and counting. With 38 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
