Dysmenorrhea & Pelvic Pain: Endometriosis, Adenomyosis & Other Causes

Fempower Health: The Chronic Pelvic Pain Channel

Originally Released March 1, 2022

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and other related conditions with Dr. Dan Martin, Medical and Scientific Director for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. We explore the complexities of diagnosing and treating pelvic pain, the importance of patient advocacy, and the societal normalization of pain in women. Dr. Martin provides valuable insights into the symptoms, challenges, and evolving treatments for conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge and actionable steps for managing their health.

Discussion Points:

1. What is the difference between dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain? Dr. Martin explains the nuances between dysmenorrhea and various forms of pelvic pain, highlighting how each condition presents itself and what symptoms to look out for.
2. How can women effectively describe their pain to healthcare providers? Learn about the key descriptors and monitoring practices that can help women communicate their pain more effectively to doctors, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans.
3. Why do so many women feel dismissed by their doctors when reporting pain? We discuss the societal and medical reasons behind the normalization of pain in women and what can be done to advocate for proper care.
4. What are the common misconceptions about diagnosing endometriosis? Dr. Martin clarifies the challenges in diagnosing endometriosis, including the limitations of imaging and the importance of laparoscopic procedures for accurate detection.
5. When should women be concerned about pelvic pain and seek medical attention? Find out the key indicators that suggest when pelvic pain might require a doctor's evaluation and what the initial steps should be for managing pain at home.
6. How effective are NSAIDs and birth control pills in managing pelvic pain? We explore the roles of NSAIDs and hormonal treatments like birth control pills in managing symptoms and the conditions under which they are most effective.
7. What is the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing pelvic pain conditions? Understand when a laparoscopy is recommended and what it can reveal about conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis that other diagnostic tools might miss.
8. What are the potential risks and benefits of treatments like Lupron and surgical interventions? Dr. Martin discusses various treatment options for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including the controversial use of Lupron and the considerations for surgical interventions.
9. How do conditions like adenomyosis and uterine fibroids differ from endometriosis? Learn the differences between these common gynecological conditions and how each affects women's health differently.
10. What are the current research trends and future directions in treating pelvic pain and endometriosis? Get an overview of the latest research developments and what they could mean for the future of managing pelvic pain and related conditions.

“A lot of that is coming from the normalization of pain in women. Some of this pain is not normal. If the pain is getting worse, if it's severe, it's not responding to medication, that's not normal pain.” - Dr. Dan Martin

Resources

• Resources on Endometriosis
• Learn about the Endometriosis Foundation of America

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More about Dr. Dan Martin

Dr Martin is Professor Emeritus, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; a community member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institutional Review Board; and a life fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has been Divisional Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Divisional Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Tennessee and Divisional Director of Medical Education at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes. Dr. Martin is Past-president of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Gynecologic Laser Society.

Disclaimer

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**