The Strive to Understand: Endometriosis
- Breakthroughs Ajayi
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
According to Yale Medicine, “Between 50% and 80% of women with pelvic pain have endometriosis”.
Girls, your extremely painful periods may have an underlying reason.
If your period lasts longer than normal (5-7 days), and is extremely painful, it may be time to see if you have any other symptoms pointing to endometriosis.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus.
Symptoms and Signs
Unbearably painful menstrual cramps
Heavy bleeding during periods
Spotting in between periods
Excessive bloating
Fatigue
Infertility
Why is it painful?
Endometriosis is painful because the tissue meant to shed out during your cycle grows in the ‘wrong’ places and stays inside the body.
The wrong places are anywhere that isn’t the inside of the uterus.
This is usually outside the uterus and other pelvic organs.
The tissue reacts to your body's hormonal changes. The tissue breaks down which can irritate and inflame the area around it. This can cause scarring on those organs.
What can be done?
1. Education
Learn more about endometriosis. The best places to look are reliable sources like medical websites and reputable health organization.
2. Log your symptoms
It’s important to keep track of everything going on in your body. This info can prove useful to your physician.
3. Seek medical expertise
If you suspect you may have endometriosis, make an appointment with a gynecologist or a healthcare provider.
4. Explore treatment
Discuss all the options with your healthcare provider. These can include pain relief medications, hormonal therapies, or surgical intervention. Make sure to do research and do what you feel is best for you (whilst considering the opinion of your doctor).
5. Build a support system!
Build a tribe that can support you on this journey. Join a support group ad connect with others who have endometriosis. Sharing experiences and hardships with others that understand what it is you’re going through can be very helpful. Educate your close friends, family members, and/or partners about it to help them understand and have more compassion.
Conclusion
While endometriosis is challenging and painful, it is not the end of the world. At times, it may feel as if everything is falling apart, but there are effective ways to manage life with endometriosis. Ultimately, if you’ve noticed warning signs, it’s best to see a doctor, seek medical advice, and do adequate research on the path you would like to take.
For more help, visit these links-
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