What is Endometriosis?

So what is this chronic inflammatory disease that is effecting so many people all over the world? (Endometriosis, commonly known as Endo for short).

Endometriosis is when body tissue (similar to the lining of the uterus) grows in other parts of the body. 1 in 7 women/people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in Australia suffer from Endometriosis. It is commonly found in the pelvic region but can grow in any part of the body.

There is NO known cure for this horrible disease and symptoms will vary for each person, the stage of Endometriosis does not define the severity of ones pain/symptoms. 

Endometriosis can cause chronic pain, especially during menstrual periods however IS NOT a period disease.

Here are some of the common symptoms of Endometriosis:

Pelvic pain: Chronic pelvic pain, often associated with the menstrual cycle, is the most common symptom. This pain can occur before, during or after menstruation. The pain is often described by sufferers as feeling like they are being stabbed, a throbbing sensation or burning from the inside. It can even be so severe that it impacts daily life, affecting work, relationships, and mental well-being. 

Dysmenorrhea (painful periods): Severe menstrual cramps that may begin before and extend several days into the menstrual period.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia): Excessive bleeding during periods, sometimes including large blood clots.

Irregular periods: Spotting or bleeding between periods.

Pain during intercourse: Pain during or after sex, often described as deep and sharp.

Pain with bowel movements or urination: Pain during bowel movements or urination, particularly during menstruation.

Gastrointestinal symptoms: Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating and nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant, which can sometimes be one of the first sign that a woman has Endometriosis.

Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and exhaustion, even with adequate sleep.

Back pain: Lower back pain, particularly during menstrual periods.

Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis: Constant, dull, or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

Leg pain: Pain radiating down the legs, often mistaken for sciatica.
 
Bladder problems: Urgency, frequency, or painful urination, often mistaken for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Chest pain: Endometriosis can affect the lungs, causing chest pain, coughing blood, or shortness of breath (thoracic Endometriosis).

Nerve pain: Involvement of nerves can lead to radiating pain in the legs or other parts of the body.

Psychological symptoms: Depression, anxiety and emotional distress due to chronic pain and the impact on daily life.

When is it time to get help?

If pain and bleeding is affecting your quality of life, and your ability to function day to day, you really need to see your GP and ask for a referral to a Gynaecologist.

If any of the following apply to you, we recommend seeking help:

• Missing work, school or social activities
• When medicines used for period pain don’t help
• When you need to stay in bed due to pain
• When symptoms are getting worse
• When you feel upset by your symptoms
• When your ability to cope mentally decreases
• When you are struggling to fall pregnant naturally
• When you have had more than 1-2 miscarriages in a row

For so long, sufferers have struggled in silence due to the lack of awareness on the topic and the difficult task of diagnosis. At this stage, the only chance of a 100% accurate diagnosis is through a biopsied laparoscopic surgery. Sadly this is the result of a lack of funding and research for Endometriosis. 

The symptoms of Endometriosis can vary widely among everyone, with some experiencing severe pain and others having mild or no symptoms. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. If you suspect you have Endometriosis, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible.