Myths & Misunderstandings

Endometriosis truths and fact checking is difficult, if not seemingly impossible. Cut through confusion with evidence-based answers, correcting common myths about endometriosis and adenomyosis—from symptoms after menopause to HRT safety and surgical choices—to help you make informed decisions with your care team.

Overview

Endometriosis and adenomyosis live in a fog of gaslighting myths that delay diagnosis and push people toward unhelpful choices. This resource separates evidence from assumptions: what imaging can and can’t show, why pain that disrupts school or work isn’t “normal,” and how treatments—from hormonal therapy to excision—actually work best together. It also clarifies where the conditions differ: endometriosis grows outside the uterus, while adenomyosis occurs in the uterine muscle, so surgical decisions and fertility implications diverge.

Expect clear, practical explanations you can use in appointments: when a hysterectomy makes sense (often for adenomyosis, not endometriosis alone), why pregnancy or menopause rarely “cure” disease, and what realistic goals look like for pain, fertility, and long‑term health. Short guides point to deeper dives in Diagnostics & Imaging, Surgery, Medical Management, Fertility & Reproductive Health, and Menopause & Hormonal Transitions. Learn to spot red flags for look‑alike or coexisting issues in Related Conditions and when specialty teams improve outcomes, supporting confident, timely decisions without overtreatment or undertreatment.

Common Questions

How long should I wait to know if endometriosis treatment works?
It depends on the treatment: pain management can change how you feel relatively quickly, while disease-directed treatment may take longer to bring steady relief. Judge progress by patterns in flares, sleep, work and activity, rather than one good or bad week.
Is Dr. Vasilev a cancer doctor or an endometriosis surgeon?
Dr. Vasilev is an endometriosis surgeon whose current practice is focused on endometriosis, not cancer care. He is also a fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist, bringing advanced surgical training to complex endometriosis and adenomyosis surgery.
If you’re out of network, do I have to pay the full cost?
No, out-of-network care doesn’t automatically mean you’ll pay the full cost. Many plans still offer out-of-network benefits, and what you owe depends on your specific coverage details and the type of care you receive.
What happens before my consultation is scheduled?
Before scheduling your consultation, our team completes a brief review, typically of your symptoms and any medical records you’ve shared. If your history and goals appear to be a good fit for our care, we’ll proceed with scheduling. We’ll let you know if we need more information.