Endometriosis in Teens:
Commonly Asked Questions
 |
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
How common is endometriosis among teen girls?
We know that it is not uncommon for young women to have endometriosis. If endometriosis runs in the family, a young woman may be more likely to have it than someone else with no family history. A research study done at Children's Hospital Boston found that endometriosis was the most common diagnosis for teens with chronic pelvic pain who had undergone a diagnostic laparoscopy.
How often will the medical team see my daughter?
Many factors influence how often your daughter will be followed by her medical team: the type of medication she is prescribed, how well she responds to treatment, and whether or not she has other gynecological issues. Typically, if your daughter is on Lupron Depot®, she will need to return for her shot either once a month or every three months depending on the prescribed dose. If your daughter is being treated for her pain with birth control pills she will probably need to return about 3 months after she starts the pill. She also may return earlier if she is experiencing side effects or feels she is not improving. At the very least, she will need to have an annual check-up.
How do I help my daughter to comply with her treatment plan?
Your daughter's compliance with her treatment plan relies on a good balance between your daughter assuming responsibility for her treatment, and your support. This support may include your assistance with the practical parts of her treatment plan, such as filling prescriptions, communicating with schools and transportation to appointments. Asking adolescents to assume increasing amounts of responsibility can be stressful but is a necessary part of growing up. Honest communication with your daughter about taking increased responsibility for her healthcare encourages her to be compliant with her medical treatment.
If my daughter goes on birth control pills for her endometriosis, am I giving her permission to have sex?
The short answer to this question is "NO." However, this is a complex question that is best addressed by a frank conversation between you, your daughter, and her medical treatment team. If your daughter is offered birth control pills (also called "hormone pills") as a treatment for her endometriosis, her medical treatment team will explain in clear terms everything she needs to know about taking the “Pill” and how it might help her symptoms, as well as any possible side effects. Adolescence is a time when teens are often focused on their changing bodies. They also learn about sexuality from many sources, particularly their peers. Many girls may already be aware of various methods of birth control. It is essential that you try to maintain an open line of communication between you and your daughter. It is just as important for you to share your own concerns and expectations as it is for her to share her feelings, when considering taking birth control pills. Her medical treatment team can be very helpful in guiding you through these conversations.
How can I help my daughter live with endometriosis without it interfering with school and social activities?
One of the primary goals of your daughter's treatment is to successfully manage her pain. Her treatment plan is specifically designed to reduce the symptoms that interfere with her education, activities, and social life. The combination of traditional and complementary medical treatments as well as healthy lifestyle choices will help your daughter regain a sense of control over her endometriosis.
How can I help my daughter maintain consistent school attendance?
Some young women with endometriosis experience an unusually high number of school absences due to chronic pelvic pain. Pain management is key when treating endometriosis so that your daughter can attend school and participate in social activities. If her pain is particularly bad in the morning, you may choose to give her the option of going to school a late rather than being absent for the entire day. In rare cases when school absences are high, it may be necessary to work with the school system to arrange for a home tutor. It is important to communicate extended school absences with your daughter's medical team.
When should I let my daughter stay home from school (because of endo pain)?
There may be times when, despite the best of treatment plans and efforts, your daughter feels that the pain from her endometriosis is intolerable and requires her to stay home. It would be most helpful if the criteria for staying out of school or other activities were established BEFORE the situation arises. For example, if your expectations are clear about her school attendance, class work and homework, it will be easier for her to take responsibility when she is absent from school due to her endometriosis. If you feel your daughter is falling behind in her classes and/or homework due to frequent absences, or that her pain interferes with completing assignments, make an appointment with her school counselor or advisor before the situation gets out of hand. Her medical treatment team may be able to help by advocating for necessary support services so that your daughter can have a successful school year.
If your daughter is experiencing sleep difficulties, disinterest in social activities, decreased appetite and/or change in weight, she may be depressed. It is important to make an appointment with her health care provider to discuss options for an evaluation with a mental health counselor, social worker, or psychologist. |
Are there any alternative or complimentary treatments that will help my daughter?
Complementary and alternative medicine or "CAM" therapies have become mainstream in the last decade. Although there is limited data that supports the effectiveness of herbs, acupuncture, and other forms of CAM therapy in the treatment of endometriosis, new research studies are underway to determine if in fact these therapies are helpful. Pain treatment centers in major hospitals will evaluate young women with endometriosis and often recommend CAM therapies in addition to traditional medical treatment. If you choose to explore options on your own, make sure that the CAM provider or acupuncturist is a licensed professional.
How will the endometriosis affect my daughter's sexuality?
Every gynecological condition by definition focuses on the reproductive system and this necessitates conversations about sexuality. This often makes young women and their parents uncomfortable, although it is natural for adolescents to begin to thinking about their sexuality. Young women with endometriosis may have more complex questions and feelings about their sexuality because of all the medical attention they receive about this part of their body. As a parent, you can use this opportunity to have honest discussions with your daughter about sex and the choices she will make. For example, if your daughter is taking birth control pills for management of endometriosis, it is timely to have a discussion about being sexually responsible (see question "If my daughter goes on birth control pills"). It is essential that the lines of communication remain open not only between your daughter and her treatment team but between you and she as well, regardless of the discomfort that might arise
How will the endometriosis affect my daughter's fertility in the future?
Early treatment is important in the relief of pain but also in the prevention of the natural progression of endometriosis that in some cases may cause infertility. Infertility commonly results when endometriosis causes changes in the pelvic organs and/or the fallopian tubes. Since endometriosis is a chronic (life-long) disease, it is important for your daughter to have early treatment by a gynecologist who specializes in treating young women with endometriosis. Your daughter should be followed for her endometriosis through her childbearing years.
Your daughter may already be sexually active or contemplating having children in the next few years. It important that she have a very clear understanding of how endometriosis affects her, specifically: the physical symptoms, the treatments, how to manage her pain, and the implications for the future. Every young woman is different but keep in mind that her disease and certain treatments may have side effects that can impact her sexuality and reproductive process. It is best for your daughter to have an honest and complete conversation with her medical team regarding these issues to ensure that she is making healthy and responsible choices. |
 Previous |
Next: Endometriosis Guide for Teens |
Updated: 9/11/2009
Related Information:
|
Looking for other health info? Check our A-to-Z Index. ©1998-2009 Center for Young Women's Health, Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.
About Us Health Guides By Topic
|
Printer Friendly
View Full PDF