What is Endometriosis?
By Amber Stevens
‘1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis’
– Endometriosis UK
‘Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, similar to the number affected by diabetes or asthma’
– Endometriosis UK
Whether it’s from a first-hand personal experience or a second-hand experience of somebody we know, endometriosis can affect us all. Being such a common medical issue, illustrated by the statistics above, chances are that you know (or will know) somebody who suffers with it. Therefore, becoming educated on the topic can be extremely beneficial for everyone.
So, what is endometriosis?
The first step to understanding the effect of endometriosis is to learn what exactly this medical condition is. To put it simply, endometriosis is a condition that affects the female reproductive system. It is unknown what the cause is, but specialists do have various theories, including it simply being down to genetics, and it being due to retrograde menstruation. There is currently no cure for endometriosis, which can be especially disheartening for somebody struggling with this condition.
What are the symptoms?
Individuals with endometriosis can experience a wide range of symptoms. However, the main symptoms include:
Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
Pain during or after sex
Pain when using the toilet during your period
Feeling sick, having constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your urine during your period
Difficulty getting pregnant
If you would like to learn more about endometriosis and the other symptoms people may experience, the NHS website contains useful information and explanations here.
Additionally, this condition can also affect individuals mentally and emotionally…
Physical and mental health are ultimately interlinked, so if one is depleting it is likely the other will too.
Due to endometriosis having such a large physical impact on a person, the mental impact can be just as consuming, and can often be very difficult to manage. The hormone imbalance caused by the condition can lead to extremely elevated hormonal mood swings, more intense and frequent mood swings, and quick mood changes.
‘Hormones affect your mood, and shifting oestrogen levels could trigger mood swings and feelings of anger, irritability, and frustration. One study reports that having endometriosis makes women more likely to suffer depression and anxiety’
– OB/GYN Specialists
To conclude, endometriosis can be a difficult condition to live with, and there are various things to consider when discussing this issue. By raising greater awareness around this condition, it can enable a greater understanding of how it feels to live with endometriosis and how best to support someone dealing with it. Lastly, if you feel you are struggling with any potential symptoms, please contact your GP and reach out for help if you need it.