Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects girls and women of reproductive age. The 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 and can cause a variety of symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, pain during and/or after sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, painful urination, fatigue, painful periods, depression, or anxiety, 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 main and most common symptom associated with endometriosis is pain.
Everyday Woman
Endometriosis affects roughly 10% of reproductive-age women and girls globally. 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 and 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. Therefore, treatment options intend to manage symptoms.
Endometriosis Treatment
Hormonal Therapy
Birth control is typically discussed first. 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 growth 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
Over-the-counter medication can decrease pain. Medications such as 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 performed to diagnose endometriosis. Laparoscopy surgery removes endometrial tissue from the pelvic region. Surgery is sometimes recommended to increase fertility or decrease pain caused by scar tissue and adhesions. A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is another surgical treatment option.
Talk to your provider
Furthermore, endometriosis is a serious health condition. Girls and women should discuss their periods and any sort 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’s progression while making the necessary treatment recommendations.
Research and Support
There is still a lot to discover and understand regarding 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 that 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