Endometriosis (Endo) is a build up of cells that should usually line the womb but are found in other areas of the body. The most common places for the Endometriosis are; the fallopian tubes, ovaries, the bladder, the bowel, the intestines, the vagina and the rectum.
Most of us know that the cells in a woman’s womb grow during the menstrual cycle and then shed blood, so when they are in other places of the body they’re going to do some damage. Because the Endo can’t exit the body the small clots of cells swell, causing pain and discomfort.
Endo in some cases is generic, but the causes of the disease haven’t been confirmed. The illness can’t be cured, it’s there for life, but it can’t kill. The most upsetting side effect for women is that Endo can cause infertility in extreme cases.
Symptoms of Endo are:
Painful periods
Painful intercourse
Heavy or long periods
Difficulty in becoming pregnant
Backache
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Fainting
The process for being diagnosed can be quite time consuming. If you think you might have Endo, before you go to the doctors make notes of your symptoms during and between your periods and rate them of how bad they are. If the doctor thinks you could be suffering from it they will refer you to a gynaecologist who will give you an internal examination. If then they suspect you have the disease they will organize for you to have a Laparoscopy (a camera through your belly button).
There is good news however, if you are diagnosed then you can be given treatment to break down the cells to relieve the symptoms – the most common is progesterone hormone tablets – these are a god send! You will notice your symptoms fade after a few months of receiving treatment.