The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium.
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to this grows in other body places outside the uterus, usually around the abdomen and pelvic area.
Just like the lining of the uterus breaks down every month, so does this tissue elsewhere, which causes extreme pain and discomfort.
Living with Endometriosis can be incredibly tough.
First, it is difficult to diagnose, meaning many people are left without knowing what is wrong or why they have been experiencing this pain for many years.
Secondly, it is difficult to treat, so there might not be much that can be done even if you are diagnosed. And finally, the symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life.
Diagnosis
It can be years between first experiencing the symptoms of Endometriosis and actually being diagnosed with the condition.
Because the symptoms overlap considerably, it is often misdiagnosed multiple times as things like ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
There is also a massive lack of awareness and knowledge around Endometriosis, which often results in it not being considered when diagnosing symptoms.
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They have trustworthy information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Endometriosis, so you can be sure you are getting reliable information.
Treatment and Pain Management
Finding effective treatment for Endometriosis is difficult.
You must work closely with your doctor to find what works for you.
The endometrial tissue bleeds each month, just like the uterus lining.
This blood has no way of leaving the body, which causes severe inflammation and pain.
This pain is the most prominent symptom of the condition, so most treatment options work toward relieving this.
As it has a connection to the menstrual cycle, a lot of treatment involves hormones, like the contraceptive pill or Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.
Still, often, just over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are used.
Some people have reported that symptoms are eased through massage therapy, acupuncture, herbs, or supplements. Still, sometimes the pain is so severe that surgery to remove the tissue becomes the only option.
Daily Life with Endometriosis
Aside from the physical symptoms, living with Endometriosis can cause other difficulties in life.
Your mental health can be severely affected by delayed diagnosis, going through the long process of finding an effective treatment, having immense dread and fear for the pain you know you will experience as your period gets closer, and feeling hopeless or misunderstood.
Many women with endometriosis experience fatigue from disrupted sleep and having to keep up with medical appointments and treatment regimes.
The pain experienced with Endometriosis can be downright crippling and mean you often have to take time off work during your period.
This can cause financial stress, worries, tension, or misunderstanding with your employer.
Missing out on things can also pressure your friends and social life, straining relationships with those who don’t understand.
This stigma can cause many issues in all aspects of your life as people often believe it can’t be that bad, thinking that the sufferer is overdramatising or overly sensitive.
Often people with endometriosis experience pain after sex, lowering their desire and putting pressure on romantic relationships.
For many women, one of the biggest fears of living with Endometriosis is the possibility of an inability to conceive.
Coping Mechanisms
Living with Endometriosis can be exhausting and a constant uphill struggle physically and mentally.
But you can take a few steps to help ease everyday life.
Diet
Certain types of food are thought to help with inflammation and pain.
This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish. Introducing more of these into your diet may help ease your symptoms.
It may be beneficial to incorporate supplements into your diet to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients and increase your fibre consumption. You can explore the best fiber supplements in the market to find the one that suits your needs.
On the other hand, avoiding other foods may also help; dairy, beans, and red meat are just a few. In general, saturated fats, gluten, and caffeine should be avoided.
Stress
Stress is familiar with Endometriosis, so finding ways to effectively manage stress is essential.
Try yoga, meditation, reading, walking outside, hot bubble baths – anything that will help you relax and reduce stress.
Rest
Endometriosis sufferers often experience a lack of sleep due to both symptoms and stress.
If this is the case, you can use methods to try and improve this, like keeping your bedroom quiet and dark, not using electronics before bed, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol later in the day.
Exercise
Regular exercise benefits your overall health by improving sleep quality, maintaining healthy muscles and bones, reducing pain, and lifting your mood, which is why regular exercise is essential for people with Endometriosis.
Living with Endometriosis can be a considerable challenge as it can impact your life in many ways. But there are effective ways to cope.
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