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Freeflow Fast Facts - Endometriosis

 

Freeflow Fast Facts - Endometriosis


Last month was Endometriosis awareness month, an important event as society all too often considers it a taboo. Charities like Endometriosis UK have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about this condition, especially because it affects 1 in 10 women. This blog will provide some information on endometriosis, specifically what it is, the symptoms, and the treatment that is available. Improving awareness is really important when it comes to this issue, so that its impact is not underestimated and people who may be suffering but may not know why can receive the help they need.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause painful or heavy periods.[1] It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.[2] Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition.[3] Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of a childbearing age.[4] 

During periods, the womb living breaks down and bleeds. In endometriosis, cells similar to the ones in the living of the womb grow elsewhere in the body, and these cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, as there is no way for this blood to leave the body, this can cause inflammation, pain and formation of scar tissue.

As endometriosis UK emphasizes, it’s important to remember that:

  • Endometriosis is not an infection
  • Endometriosis is not contagious
  • Endometriosis is not cancer.[5]

What are common symptoms of endometriosis?

  • Pain - This is the most common symptom. Women with endometriosis may have many different kinds of pain. These include:

-        Very painful menstrual cramps. The pain may get worse over time.

-        Chronic (long-term) pain in the lower back and pelvis

-        Pain during or after sex. This is usually described as a "deep" pain and is different from pain felt at the entrance to the vagina when penetration begins.

-        Intestinal pain

-        Painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods.[6]

  • Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods - this can be caused by something other than endometriosis. If it happens often, you should see your doctor. For some women, heavy periods are another symptom.[7]
  • Infertility, or not being able to get pregnant - although the condition doesn’t necessarily cause infertility, there is an association with fertility problems. However, even with severe endometriosis, natural conception is still possible, with estimations of around 60-70% of women with endometriosis getting pregnant spontaneously. [8]

For those with endometriosis who do experience fertility issues, a proportion will get pregnant after medical assistance, either surgery to remove endometriosis or through assisted reproduction technologies (ie IVF).[9]

  • Stomach (digestive) problems - These include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.[10]
  • Fatigue/ lack of energy

What can be done?

With the right treatment, many of these issues can be addressed, and the symptoms of endometriosis made more manageable. It is really important to see a GP if you have some of these symptoms so that they can diagnose you and the impact on your life is reduced. It’s also important to get diagnosed by a GP as you could mistake some of the symptoms for IBS.

Although there’s currently no cure for endometriosis, these treatments can help to ease the symptoms:

·        Painkillers eg ibuprofen and paracetamol
·        Hormone medicines and contraceptives, including the combined pill, contraceptive patch and the IUS.
·  Surgery to cut away patches of the endometriosis tissue, or a hysterectomy.[11]

However, it is important that you discuss these options with your doctor, including the risks of surgery for example, and decide what the best option is for you.[12]

Where can you get help?

As well as support from your doctor, support groups like Endometriosis UK all available to contact for info and advice. Go to their website and find their contact details there. Endometriosis can be physically and emotionally draining, however help is out there to make sure you aren’t alone!


[1] Endometriosis UK, Understanding Endometriosis. Available at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/understanding-endometriosis

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6]Office on Women’s Health, Endometriosis: What are the symptoms of endometriosis? Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis

[7] Ibid.

[8] Endometriosis UK, Endometriosis, Fertility and Pregnancy.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Office on Women’s Health, Endometriosis: What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

[11] NHS, Overview: Endometriosis.

[12] Ibid.

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