Endometriosis affects approximately 176 million women worldwide (1) yet it often goes undiagnosed. One reason could be that many of the symptoms are regarded as “normal” menstrual symptoms. However, this isn’t always true. So what is endometriosis (or Endo for short) anyway?
According to endometriosis.org
“Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called ‘the endometrium’), is found outside the uterus,… induces a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in scar tissue.” (1).
Unfortunately, diagnosis can be difficult, because there is not a scan or blood test that can be done to detect it.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. I am not a medical professional. There are affiliate links within this article. Please see FibroMomBlog disclosure policy for more info
I found out that I had endometriosis during my sterilization surgery. I was very shocked but it also explained all my years of pain. I’ve always had pelvic pain but no one was ever concerned about it.
What are the symptoms of Endometriosis?
- Painful periods
- Painful ovulation
- Pain during intercourse or after
- Heavy bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Fatigue
- Infertility (1)
Again, some of these symptoms are similar to those experienced during the menstrual cycle. Ironically, this can make it hard to know that there is a problem, even by a doctor. Hence, many women assume this is how it is supposed to feel, so they don’t even tell their doctor.
What is the Cause of Endometriosis and treatment?
So far the cause is unknown. However, it seems to be genetic with mothers and sisters also being affected. Hormone therapy is one way to treat the condition. Options include:
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Progestins/progesterone
- GnRH-analogues
- Danazol
- Mirena
Hormonal therapies can come with side effects though, so this does not always work for every woman. In addition, if this treatment does work it may only be temporary and the problems may return (2). However, surgery is another treatment option, and laparoscopic surgery is actually the only way to diagnosis endometriosis (2). Sadly though, removing the endometriosis does not guarantee it will not grow back. More on the details of surgery can be found here.
It is important to note that there is no cure for Endometriosis! Even a hysterectomy does not cure it. Most importantly, it can spread to other organs within the body as well. So as you can imagine, this can take a toll on a person emotionally. If Endometriosis is affecting you emotionally, there are support groups in person and online. Also, there are many books out there that can help you understand what you are going through. With that in mind, I have listed some examples of both support groups and books below.
Where can I find support & more information on Endometriosis?
https://endometriosis.supportgroups.com/
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/find-a-support-group
https://www.myendometriosisteam.com/
What books are there to help me understand Endometriosis?
Endometriosis: the experts’ guide to treat, manage and live well with your symptoms
Endometriosis: a key to healing through nutrition
100 questions and answers about endometriosis
What significance does Endometriosis play in other co-morbid conditions?
In doing the research on this issue, it occurs to me how much more research needs to be done. Ultimately it is my hope that this article will help bring awareness and generate interest in the general public. This would be wonderful if it increased the possibility for more research.
In a study done in 2017 it was concluded that women with endometriosis are significantly more likely to have or develop co-morbid conditions. In fact, there were 22 co-morbidities that were more likely and out of those 9 were highly likely (3).
*Infertility/subfertility
*Ovarian cyst
*Uterine fibroids
*Pelvic inflammatory disorder
*Interstitial cystitis
*Irritable bowel syndrome
*Constipation/dyschezia
*Ovarian cancer
*Endometrial cancer (3)
Yet in another study done in 2002, by researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), there are findings that prove a significant correlation between endometriosis and other chronic conditions. Additionally, in this study women with endo were more likely to develop conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus (4). But this study leaves much to be desired since only 3680 women were surveyed for this study.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Hopefully in the future more in-depth studies will be done not just on endometriosis, but the co-morbid conditions that are seen with them. It seems there has to be a reason these conditions are seen together. Alas, this reason may be the “cause” we are all looking for in all the conditions. Knowing the causes is what will help us find the cure.
So, if you have endometriosis and a co-morbid condition, FibroMomBlog wants to hear from you! Click here to contact me. Please click here to read our first interview.
References:
- http://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/facts-about-endometriosis/
- http://endometriosis.org/treatments/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30070938
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/endometriosis
I am friends that suffer from this painful affliction. They feel that no one understands them. Appreciate this! I will share with them!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this great and informative post. I must confess i just came across the word “endometriosis” for the first time. My wife need to see this.
Thank you for commenting and sharing. The more informed, the better.
I’m past the reproductive age but I will be sure to pass this on to my daughers. Thank you!
I truly hope it never effects your family. It is horrible on its own but usually comes with multiple conditions. Thank so much for visiting.
I didn’t know much about this condition prior to reading this article. I do know many who suffer from it though, from what I understand it is very painful.
Thank you! My goal here is to educate so hopefully we can get more research done! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
Just learned of this disorder from your post. I think many women out there should be enlightened about this.
Thank you John! I agree, more women and more research!
This is a great awareness post and didn’t know much about endometriosis. Thanks for sharing useful and informative points!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it
In our country, and in many parts of the world, this is considered a silent killer amongst women due to the lack of awareness. Thank you for making us aware of this disease. You’re doing a remarkable job.
Thank you! We need to learn better ways to identify the disease, so we can help women sooner than later. I appreciate you commenting!