Endometriosis: The Mystery Behind The Pain
How to Know if You May Have It and What You Can Do When You Find Out
Endometriosis affects women of all ages, from 13 to 55 and all ages in between. The following information describes the condition and the treatment options available.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, is found on locations other than the uterus. This tissue may be found on the bowel, ovaries, ligaments or bladder, to name a few places.
What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptom of endometriosis is severe period or pelvic pain. Medical advice should be sought if the pain is so severe that you need to stay in bed or miss school, work or other commitments.
Other symptoms include:
- Spotting before the period
- Heavy periods
- Irregular cycle
- Lower back or thigh pain
- Pain during or after sex
However, it should be noted that just because you may experience one or more of the above symptoms, this does not necessarily mean that you have endometriosis. Your symptoms may be linked to other health issues.
How To Tell If You Have Endometriosis
The above symptoms should give you a fair idea. Other signs that may point toward a diagnosis include:
- Period pain that is not relieved by regular painkillers such as Naprogesic or Nurofen, or by using a hot water bottle (this pain may also occur 1 or 2 days prior to your period beginning)
- Heavy periods that are disruptive to your daily routine
- Bleeding that lasts for over seven days
- A family history of endometriosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from endometriosis, your first step should be to visit your local GP and discuss the problems you’re having.
It is a good idea to keep a diary of your cycle for a month, detailing the symptoms you’re suffering from each day, their location and severity. This will allow your doctor to better understand your condition. If your doctor dismisses your concerns or doesn’t take them seriously, don’t be afraid to visit another one.
Your doctor may then refer you to a gynaecologist for further assessment. They will be able to suggest various treatment options for you, which will help relieve your symptoms.
The only way to definitely diagnose and treat endometriosis however, is through a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy. This involves making small incisions near the abdomen and inserting a small lens-type instrument into the body. The surgeon is then able to look for endometrium growth and have it removed for assessment. Your doctor is in the best position to decide whether such options are suitable for your condition.
What Are The Treatment Options Available?
Aside from the laparoscopic surgery mentioned above, women have found that other treatment options are often beneficial to their condition. These include:
- Drug therapy: the contraceptive pill can be taken to regulate your cycle and allow you to skip your period so that you don’t need to deal with the symptoms every month (other hormonal-based therapies are also available)
- Alternative therapies: Chinese and herbal therapies have also been found to alleviate symptoms of endometriosis in some women
- Complementary therapy: Many women seek treatment from professionals such as chiropractors, masseurs, dieticians, psychologists or acupuncturists to complement other treatment they’re taking for their condition
- Healthy diet and exercise: Studies have shown that a healthy diet and regular exercise can minimise the severity of endometriosis symptoms in some women (brown rice, fruit and vegetables, fish, nuts and legumes - beans and peas - have all been linked with menstrual health)
For More Information:
There are many organisations created to assist endometriosis sufferers and those that require further information. They will be able to talk to you about your condition, provide counselling and make recommendations for further action.
- The Jean Hailes Foundation (Australia)
- The Endometriosis Association (USA)
- The National Endometriosis Society (UK)
This article is written for informative purposes only and should not be taken in place of medical advice. Please discuss your condition with your doctor.
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