Symptoms and what to do next

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Endometriosis Awareness Month is underway across the globe this March, with the aim of raising public knowledge about this illness.

Here’s ALL you need to know about Endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease that causes tissue similar to the uterus lining to grow outside the uterus. This results in inflammation which can be very painful and pose fertility challenges. The cause of the disease is unknown and there is no way to prevent it.

Endometriosis can affect people who’ve just had their first period, as well as people of all ages until menopause. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1 out of every 10 reproductive age women and girls globally are affected by endometriosis. That’s about 190 million people.

Symptoms: What to look out for

The most common endometriosis symptom is pain in the pelvis (the lower belly), particularly during menstruation. People with the disease have also noticed pain during or after sex and when urinating or defecating.

Other symptoms include:

heavy bleeding during periods or between periods
trouble getting pregnant
bloating or nausea
fatigue
depression or anxiety

These symptoms frequently decline with the onset of menopause but not always.

Why is endometriosis often misdiagnosed?

According to health researchers, people with endometriosis can wait between eight to 12 years before their symptoms are accurately diagnosed. Furthermore, black women are 50% less likely to be diagnosed accurately than white women.

Some of this misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of endometriosis is explained by medical gaslighting. Because of gendered and racist biases in the origins of gynaecology, women’s pain and black people’s pain are traditionally more quickly dismissed by healthcare professionals.

WHO also indicates that endometriosis symptoms are broad and can vary. This makes it harder for doctors to spot since the symptoms can be confused with other conditions.

How to diagnose endometriosis

While doctors often perform a pelvic exam and check for abnormalities, small areas of endometriosis can sometimes only be felt once a cyst has developed. The Mayo Clinic explains that doctors can use ultrasounds to identify cysts but that doesn’t automatically mean they can diagnose endometriosis.

Some patients may be referred for a laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to check inside your abdomen for signs of endometriosis tissue. They may be able to remove the tissue at the same time. WHO cautions that the need for a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis should not prevent you from starting treatment.

Treatment

Treating endometriosis depends on the level of pain experienced and whether the person desires pregnancy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs painkillers like ibuprofen can treat pain. Hormonal medicines, including various forms of birth control, can also alleviate pain.

Other treatments include laparoscopy to remove endometriosis tissue. This can help with fertility in those living with the disease who wish to get pregnant.

It’s essential to find a healthcare professional who will be able to diagnose your condition and advise you on treatments that are best suited to your body.