In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, regardless of race or ethnicity. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person's life in a number of ways, including:
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Depression/isolation
- Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
- An inability to conceive
- Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
It’s important to remember that:
- Endometriosis is not an infection
- Endometriosis is not contagious
- Endometriosis is not cancer
You can learn more about Endometriosis here.
My Story
Before diagnosis I had never heard of endometriosis, neither did it seem did my doctor who diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome at the age of 20, and prescribed medication for IBS.
I spent the next two years back and forth to the GP, feeling unwell, bloated, fatigued, it was having a negative impact on my overall well-being. I felt depressed, anxious and misunderstood as this is an invisible disease. I had to take time off work, and at times felt too unwell to even get out of bed.
I eventually had a scan, and diagnosed by a private doctor at the age of 22 years old
I was offered minor surgery to laser the endometriosis off of my ovaries. I was told I would potentially not be able to have children which devastated me at the time, but now at the age of 46 and three surgeries later I have two beautiful girls.
It has been a difficult journey over 28 years, for me, my partner and my children. I became very sick and at times it was debilitating my last diagnosis at 44, I was informed that the endometriosis was untreatable and that I should opt for a hysterectomy. I am now 18 months on and starting to feel stronger mentally and physically at last!
My message to anyone is please don’t suffer in silence, I would like to convey the message to persist with your GP or practice nurse, only you know your own body and it is important that you feel understood and listened to. Endometriosis is manageable and treatable when diagnosed, you can self-care and join supportive groups online.
Self-Care Tips
- Heat Pads or hot water bottle on affected area as heat will help with dealing with the pain.
- Warm Bath to warm and relax muscles and lessen the feel of the pain.
- Avoid sugary foods as sugar blocks your body’s ability to reduce inflammation, which causes endometriosis symptoms to worsen.
- Avoid alcohol as it can raise your estrogen levels.
- Gentle exercise whenever possible as it can help maintain physical and mental health.