You don’t have to suffer in silence: Addressing commonly overlooked women’s health conditions

“You just need to relax.” These five words have been spoken in this exact order to women for decades as they confront everything from infertility to endometriosis to fibroids.

“These are probably the least helpful words you can say to a woman who is contending with a gynecological issue,” says Hoag OBGYN Dr. Kerry Price. “Instead, women should be made to feel comfortable discussing their health concerns and understanding their symptoms. Only then can we help guide women toward personalized care.”

Dr. Price recommends breaking the silence on key issues women face so they can find treatment and relief as quickly as possible:

Infertility affects more than one in eight women in the US, and yet a stigma persists around the topic that often makes it difficult for women to seek experts and engage in a fertility plan. While Dr. Price says she has noticed a generational shift in women speaking out about infertility, she still sees a lot of patients struggling with feelings of guilt and shame associated with the disease.

“Women will tell me that they feel as though they’re failing somehow, or that they are experiencing pain during infertility treatments, yet they don’t feel comfortable talking to their close friends or even to their partner about it,” she says. “There are many treatment options available to women who want to start a family, and many resources available to women who are facing infertility. Your doctor can help you find the right resources to realize your goals.”

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women but is often misdiagnosed for years, as its symptoms overlap with other medical issues. The condition in which the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus and on to other nearby structures including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and colon can cause pain, especially during menstruation or intercourse.

“You deserve to have your chronic pain taken seriously,” Dr. Price says. “If you are experiencing chronic pain and suspect you might have endometriosis, find a doctor who will partner with you on your wellness journey. This means someone who listens, explains conditions and treatment options, and works with you on a personalized plan.”

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain in the pelvis, lower back, or legs. Fibroids can also lead to frequent urination, constipation, or severe menstrual bleeding. The normalization of these symptoms has caused many women to suffer in silence, waiting an average of three years to seek treatment for a condition that greatly hinders their quality of life.

“Women can’t seek help for a problem if they don’t know one exists. Unfortunately, because we tend to put everyone else’s health above our own, women don’t always recognize that heavy periods or pain aren’t normal,” Dr. Price says. “The first step toward healing is to start the conversation.”

Learn more about programs offered at Hoag’s Women’s Health Institute.