Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis is a common disease; 1 in 10 women have endometriosis; unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, but there are several myths surrounding endometriosis treatment. Even worse, these myths sometimes come in the form of unsolicited advice. Therefore, this blog post will tell you the top three things someone with endometriosis does not want to hear.  

1. Get on birth control

Birth control was my first method of choice in high school to help manage my painful periods. I understood birth control to do two things: prevent pregnancy and make period pain manageable. Birth control did help alleviate some of my symptoms but did not fix the root cause – endometriosis. 

First, birth control is the first recommended treatment choice because of the hormones. Endometriosis causes fluctuations in hormonal levels within the body – therefore, adding birth control into one’s system evens out hormone fluctuations and decreases endometriosis symptoms. 

Birth control is a quick “fix” to endometriosis symptoms, but all birth control does is mask symptoms. Additionally, birth control has side effects, such as weight gain, moodiness, headaches, and changes in libido. 

Furthermore, there are long-term effects of birth control. Studies have shown that girls and women who use birth control long-term may be at an increased risk of medical conditions. These long-term side effects include blood clots, heart disease, stroke, cancer, gallbladder disease, migraines, and a decreased sex drive. 

Have a baby

Second is the “just have a baby” line – this statement is one of the most insulting things you can say to someone with endometriosis. Girls and women with endometriosis have a higher likelihood of difficulty conceiving. Pregnancy is not impossible with endometriosis, but it can be challenging. 

To tell someone to have a baby, and you don’t even know if they can conceive, can cause damage to one’s emotional and mental state. You don’t know the parameters around someone’s health or if they even want kids. 

It’s hurtful to remind someone of their possible infertility issues because someone wants to offer unsolicited advice. 

Yes, some women with endometriosis experience fewer endometriosis symptoms after their pregnancy; some women experience even more pain with their periods after a pregnancy. Every body is different; we’re not all created the same; one thing that helps someone may not help another. 

It’s just a bad period

Finally, “It’s just a bad period” is the most insulting thing you can say to someone with endometriosis – the last thing endometriosis is a bad period; endometriosis is a chronic illness; a menstrual cycle is not. Girls and women with endometriosis suffer through unimaginable pain daily but still have to live their everyday lives.

 Endometriosis affects the entire body and can cause difficulties in completing activities of daily living. A period does not interfere with daily living; yes, a period is uncomfortable and can cause annoying symptoms, but it should not interfere with daily activities. 

 Endometriosis symptoms can be debilitating and crippling which can make daily living impossible. Plus, with endometriosis, you can experience these debilitating and crippling symptoms while not on your period. 

“It’s just a bad period” is a complete slap in the face to someone with endometriosis. That statement disregards and diminishes the pain and symptoms of the disease. 

Help don’t hinder

Fortunately, not all women experience endometriosis, but the women who do are warriors. If you know someone with endometriosis, or meet someone with endometriosis, don’t be a jerk and start giving unsolicited advice or opinions. Do not be insensitive and disregard their feelings or health either. 

If someone opens up to you about their endometriosis diagnosis – be supportive. You may not empathize with what they’re going through, but simply being a listening ear and a comfort zone for them goes a long way. 

Endometriosis Support

Please visit the Black Women Feel Pain Too Facebook group for more tips on dealing with endometriosis. The goal of this group is to provide support and resources to fellow endo warriors.