5 Things Only People With Endometriosis Understand
Many people have probably heard of endometriosis, but they do not know what it is. Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. In this article we will talk about 5 things only people with Endometriosis understand.
This is a benign condition that affects certain women during their reproductive years.
When the endometrium begins to develop incorrectly, it can attach to anywhere in the abdominal cavity. This situation can lead to implants (small lesions), nodules (large lesions) and endometriomas (cysts on the ovaries).
A woman who has endometriosis may have cold symptoms, especially during the winter months.
When you get these symptoms with fatigue and fever, you might think it’s just the weather. However, you may end up in the hospital as the fever can become extremely high.
Over time, the problem can get worse as this condition can threaten your life through the breakdown of your appendix or by putting pressure on your kidneys.
If you have never experienced the pain and discomfort of endometriosis, you probably do not understand the ailments of those who have it. Therefore, we invite you to learn a little more about this disease.
Enormous cramps
It is not known why endometriosis produces such pain.
The most cited theory has to do with what is called retrograde menstruation. This happens every month when you are menstruating and when some of the blood from the uterus is leaking into your pelvic cavity that surrounds the reproductive organs instead of leaving the body.
The causes of triggering retrograde menstruation are also unknown. In most cases, it does not appear to be genetic. However, it is certain that endometriosis causes severe pain.
It’s not just a severe, debilitating pain – it’s not just menstrual cramps either. It is usually accompanied by:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Blood stains between menstrual periods
To detect endometriosis in its earliest stages, doctors try to pay special attention to these problems. If they are able to diagnose the disease in time, it is easier to maintain the patient’s fertility.
Having children can be a solution
Pregnancy can reduce some of the symptoms of endometriosis.
At present, your progesterone levels are higher and your estrogen levels are falling (which is what endometriosis is nourished by). The discomfort may for the most part or even disappear completely.
However, this is not a cure. In most women, the symptoms will return nine months later. In addition, you will have the burden of caring for a baby.
This, of course, presupposes that women with endometriosis are able to conceive.
Unfortunately, between one-third and one-half of women with endometriosis will not be able to have children. This is because their reproductive organs have been severely damaged.
3. A hysterectomy may not seem like a bad idea
This is not a cure either. Nevertheless, because endometriosis occurs outside the uterus, then removal of the uterus can eliminate the problem.
A hysterectomy may help reduce the painful symptoms, but it is. Over time, cysts can continue to grow on other organs.
According to many specialists, you should try to avoid getting a hysterectomy, but sometimes it is the only sustainable solution. If your doctor suggests this to you and you do not agree, then get someone else’s opinion and consider an alternative that is less radical.
If you have endometriosis and want to have children at some point, try to get pregnant. Ultimately, the decision to have a hysterectomy is a decision that you can only make.
For some women, it represents the best solution, while others do not even consider it.
4. Talking to your doctor may not be the solution
Women diagnosed with endometriosis need to find someone who really listens to them. You may not have much time, but you know it’s worth finding support.
If you need it, try looking for support groups, a therapist or a gynecologist. It also does not hurt to find a person who specializes in endometriosis.
5. Eating well and getting plenty of sleep is inevitable
If you really want to reduce your pain, then good sleep and eating a healthy diet is a daily obligation. If you have had surgery or are on hormone therapy, it is even more relevant.
Right now, experts say you need to take good care of your endometriosis to cope with it.
Remember that you can try many different alternatives until you find something that makes you feel more comfortable:
- Physiotherapy to relieve pelvic pain
- An anti-inflammatory diet
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
Do not forget that light physical activity can also help with the pain. To avoid bleeding, do not overdo any of the exercises you do.
Endometriosis is something you have all your life
There is no cure for endometriosis, but surgery can reduce some of the symptoms, and medication can also help.
But nothing is more effective than being calm and getting plenty of rest.