Is Your Uterus Sending You an SOS? What’s Endometriosis?
What is Endometriosis?
Going through a monthly cycle of cramps, mood swings, body pain and “bhai saab, wo dena” (and the pharmacy wala almost always wrapping up the goodies like an atom bomb) is bad enough. 25 million women in India have it about 10 times worse with a condition called endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis), which is when the tissue that lines the uterus tends to grow on the ovaries, bowel, rectum, vagina or pelvic lining. The name of this condition is derived from the word “endometrium,” which is the tissue that lines the uterus.
There is so much stigma around reproductive health and such a dearth of resources we have access to, that we can’t recognize how our bodies work. Endometriosis is usually diagnosed in 1 in 10 women worldwide during their reproductive years. It is most commonly found in the lower abdomen area and pelvic region but has been found in other parts of the body as well.
Usually, your uterus hosts a mini–French Revolution when you bleed from the cells and tissues inside. With endometriosis, the mini-revolution turns straight up into the march of Versailles, and you bleed from outside the uterus as well which is the cause of increased pain.
Wait, I feel pelvic pain and cramps during my periods…Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen? DO I HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS? Ask your doc! Before we get into the video, this is a friendly reminder that everyone’s bodies are different, and that this video should NOT be taken as medical advice. Just a primer on what endometriosis is, and if you are diagnosed with it, how you can manage it.
Okay, What’re the Symptoms Like?
The definite cause of endometriosis is still unknown and there is no known cure which is why it’s known as a “disease of theories”. Women with the same diagnosis often don’t experience the same set of symptoms either. It takes 7–12 years for diagnosis.
This chronic condition is often ignored because society has often normalized pain in terms of reproductive health for women. But keeping an eye out for this condition is important so that you can get a diagnosis in time, and do lifestyle changes which will lessen your pain. Literally.
Here are the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Remember every woman’s body is different, so this is just indicative. (Basically, call your gynaec!)
1. Painful intercourse: Women tend to experience intense pain during penetration. This is known as dyspareunia and occurs because of endometriosis beneath the uterus and the endometrial implants in the pelvic cavity can stretch, pull or push.
2. Pelvic pain: Scarring of internal tissue builds up to pelvic pain even when you’re not on your periods.
3. Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow/ Painful periods: Cramping is normal during your period but women with endometriosis experience so much crippling pain.
According to UCLA Health, almost 40% of women with infertility have endometriosis. This is because inflammation from endometriosis may negatively impact the function of the ovary, egg, fallopian tubes or uterus.
Is There a Treatment?
Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures are prominent for diagnosis endometriosis. During this procedure, a thin and well-lit tube will be put into a tiny abdominal incision. This allows your doctor to view these pelvic organs and take a small amount of tissue to make a formal diagnosis.
Even though there is no permanent cure to this condition, surgery, lifestyle changes and medication can help cope with the pain and this condition.
Here are some things which might be useful to manage endometriosis for fellow #EndoWarriors:
1. IUD: The IUD is a small contraceptive device that is placed inside the uterus. There are different kinds of IUD such as copper IUD which is a small piece of plastic with its stem covered in copper and the progestogen IUD which is a T-shaped device with a small cylinder containing progestogen around the stem which is highly recommended for women with endometriosis. The logic behind is that it reduces menstrual flow which automatically relieves intense pain but is still a form of contraception. If you want a bun in the oven, this may not be the way to go.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications: Over the counter pills like ibuprofen or advil or any kind of acetaminophen can help relieve pain on a temporary basis.
3. Hormone therapies: Endometriosis is mainly driven by hormones so a common way to cope is adjusting the hormone levels and they come in different forms from pills to IUDs and nasal sprays even. This helps reduce the pain and reduce the menstrual flow as well.
4. Stress management, lifestyle: Treat yourself! Chronic pain creates stress on your mind and body drastically and creates a cycle that can increase your pain levels. Resort to a healthy well-balanced diet consulting a dietician or gynecologist, exercise and sleep well. Acupunctures, massages and epsom salt baths are also highly recommended to relieve chronic pain. Life’s short..so might as well light up some scented candles and eat chocolate in the bath!
5. Surgery: If you do have any cysts or any kind of abnormal tissue growth, this could help aid infertility and doctors may suggest removing it surgically to increase the possibility of pregnancy and improve quality of life!
It’s Time to Break the Silence! #EndoWarriors
The big lesson from knowing about endometriosis, and the difficulty with which it is diagnosed, is about women’s pain. Women’s reproductive health is often undermined as it is in our country considering we live in a world where tampons and pads are taxed and viagra isn’t. We still have to be proactive about gaining awareness about our bodies and seek help if required. Our discomfort might just be a reason why this condition has often gone undiagnosed for so long.
Basically, listen to women’s pain when they advocate for themselves. Consult your gynaecologist if you think you have any symptoms of endometriosis. Understanding your body goes a long way in improving your quality of life especially with an illness like endometriosis. Communicate your condition to your loved ones, plan ahead with treatment therapies and always remember you’re more than a diagnosis! There’s a sisterhood of #EndoWarriors out there for you!
