Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects girls and women of reproductive age; this disease can be defined as when the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis is a painful disease that causes multiple symptoms. Including pelvic pain, pain during and after sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, painful urination, fatigue, painful periods, depression or anxiety, and abdominal bloating and nausea. Not only does endometriosis affect the pelvic region, but it can also be found in surrounding organs. In some cases, forming scar tissue and adhesions. The most common symptom associated with endometriosis is pain.
Did you know?
Endometriosis affects roughly 10% of reproductive-age women and girls globally. Endometriosis is found in 20% of women with chronic pelvic pain and 25% to 50% of women with infertility. Girls and women who experience endometriosis can have a decreased quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. The cause is unknown. Doctors and researchers have curated a few theories on the origin of the disease. However, none have been specified as the direct cause. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment options are solely intended to manage symptoms.
Treatment Options
Hormonal Therapy
Birth control is typically the first treatment option discussed. Birth control is used to treat endometriosis because birth control regulates hormones. Girls and women with endometriosis have fluctuations in their hormonal levels. These fluctuations contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Stabilizing and regulating hormones decreases the production of endometriosis, therefore decreasing pain.
Holistic
Providers will recommend diet and lifestyle changes. Certain foods such as alcohol, red meat, and sweets cause inflammation within the body. By consuming higher amounts of fruits and vegetables, females can naturally decrease the amount of inflammation within the body. Regular exercise also decreases pain by reducing stress and regulating hormone levels.
Over-the-counter Medication
Certain over-the-counter medications can be taken to decrease pain. For example, Ibuprofen and Aleve reduce inflammation within the body. Inflammation causes pain and swelling in the body. Anti-inflammatories decrease inflammation while reducing pain.
Surgery
Surgery is another treatment option. A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that is performed to diagnose endometriosis. Laparoscopy is also used to remove endometrial tissue from the pelvic region. Surgery is recommended to increase fertility or to decrease pain from scar tissue and adhesions. Endometriosis can be so severe that a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is needed.
Endometriosis is a serious health condition. Girls and women should discuss their periods and any type of persistent and/or severe uterine or vaginal pain with their doctor. It is best to catch endometriosis early in life. The progression of this disease can cause organs to bind together, infertility, and chronic pain. Early detection allows doctors to monitor the disease progression while making the necessary treatment recommendations.
Research and Support
There is still a lot to discover and understand about endometriosis. The disease comes with a variety of symptoms that often causes debilitating pain for its sufferers. Since there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment options vary per individual. Understanding endometriosis is the first step in finding an effective treatment for endometriosis. Below I’ve attached a few pages I like to read and catch up on regarding endometriosis research and development. I also love these pages because they provide such a supportive atmosphere. Check them out. Hopefully, they will be as inspirational to you as they have been to me.
- Endo Black ™, Inc.
IG: @endo_black
- Rox | Endometriosis Support
IG: @owning.endo
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