More than 6.5 million women struggle with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, leading to severe pain, heavy bleeding during periods, and infertility. It’s most commonly found in women through their 30s and 40s, but any woman is able to be diagnosed. Endometriosis is diagnosed with laparoscopic surgery.
Symptoms
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary from woman to woman, and some women may have no symptoms at all. However, common symptoms of endo include:
Pelvic Pain
This is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Women with endometriosis often experience pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which can be severe and may worsen during periods or sex.
Painful Periods
Women with endometriosis may experience severe cramping, menstrual pain, or heavy bleeding during periods.
Painful Intercourse
Endometriosis can make sex painful or uncomfortable, which can impact a woman’s libido and relationships.
Infertility
Endometriosis can affect a woman’s fertility by damaging the reproductive organs or causing blockages that prevent the egg from being fertilized.
Fatigue
Endometriosis can cause fatigue or exhaustion due to chronic pain, hormonal changes, or inflammation.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Some women with endometriosis may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea.
Coping with endometriosis can be challenging, as there is no cure yet, but there are several ways to manage pain and symptoms.
Tips for Managing Pain
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy can help to reduce the severity of endometriosis symptoms. Birth control pills, hormone injections, or vaginal rings can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the growth of endometrial tissue. Often, medications such as Orilissa, can turn off the hormone that “fuels” the endometriosis pain.
Exercise and Relaxation Techniques
Exercise and relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage pain and stress associated with endometriosis. Regular exercise can also help to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health.
Dietary Changes
Some women with endometriosis find that certain foods trigger symptoms such as bloating, cramping, or pain. Avoiding these foods or following a specific diet may help alleviate symptoms. Some women find that adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diet can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with endometriosis.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove endometrial tissue or other affected organs. This type of surgery is typically done laparoscopically, which involves small incisions and a shorter recovery time.
Support Groups
Joining a support group or talking to other women with endometriosis can help alleviate the emotional burden of this condition. Support groups can provide information, advice, and empathy from people who understand what you are going through.
Living with endometriosis requires a multi-disciplinary approach that involves a combination of pain management, hormonal therapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, dietary changes, and surgery when necessary.
If you or someone you know has endometriosis, book an appointment and visit Adriatica Women’s Health at our McKinney or Prosper, TX offices to see how we can help take the ‘ouch’ to ‘oh yeah!’
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