Do I Have Endometriosis?

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Nearly 190 million women suffer from endometriosis globally. However, the general public and many healthcare professionals aren't aware of the distressing symptoms of endometriosis, and they dismiss women's pain as normal, leading to significant diagnosis delays. Read on for a quick guide to endometriosis.

woman with hands in her underwear.

Did you know that it takes on average anywhere between six and ten years for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis?

As we always say, we have a duty to educate ourselves about our bodies and to listen when they’re trying to tell us that something isn’t right. Our knowledge and understanding can make all the difference when it comes to getting diagnosed correctly.

Read on for a quick guide to endometriosis.  

It’s a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and/or infertility.

It affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women globally.

It’s likely a combination of different factors, like genetics, problems with the immune cells, or endometrium cells spreading the bloodstream. 

Common endometriosis symptoms include:

  • painful periods
  • chronic pelvic pain
  • pain during and/or after sexual intercourse
  • painful bowel movements
  • painful urination
  • fatigue
  • depression or anxiety
  • abdominal bloating and nausea
  • infertility issues

These are all symptoms of endometriosis. As you can tell, the symptoms are broad and variable, which means it’s not easily diagnosable and women can suffer from it for a long time before they’re properly diagnosed.

Treatment can be with medications, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal therapy, or birth control pill. Surgical interventions may also need to be administered depending on symptoms, like Laparoscopic surgery or Hysterectomy in severe cases. 

It’s important to note that the optimal treatment approach for endometriosis varies for each individual, and a healthcare provider’s expertise is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment plan based on specific circumstances and symptoms.

A Final Note

If you have a combination of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, or think you may have endometriosis, remember that your pain is valid. Seek medical help, and if your doctor dismisses your pain, know that it’s your right to seek a second, third, and fourth opinion.

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illustration of three different women.