What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease where the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It is not just bad period pain, endometriosis is a disease that causes damage to one's organs, muscles, and nerves – it is so much more than simply a bad period! The root cause of this disease is currently unknown however many theorise it’s a multifactorial cause with a range of factors inflecting the onset of endometriosis. Furthermore, this disease affects 1 in 9 yet the research, funding, and awareness around it are currently very limited.

What are the symptoms?

People with endometriosis can experience a range of symptoms many of which cause debilitating pain during menstrual cramps (or at any time!). Pain can also occur during or after sex and involve intestinal pain and painful bowel movements. Other symptoms can include bleeding between menstrual cycles, digestive issues often followed by nausea, bloating, and constipation. Infertility can also be a risk of the disease however; this is not always the case. Not only does this disease have psychical symptoms but affects every aspect of life including one's mental and emotional wellbeing. This severe dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) can stop many from attending school, severely impacting facets of life. Due to the lack of support, understanding and validation around this issue, many can be left feeling isolated as the pain is unexplainable.

What are the treatments or cures?

Unfortunately, endometriosis has no known cure. Instead, many are advised to regulate it through hormonal medication, strong painkillers, physical exercise, diet, and physiotherapy (to help with pain during sex). Alternatively, surgery can also be offered, with diagnosis only being available once someone undergoes surgery.

Things to look out for:

Extremely painful periods

Pain with bowel movements

Excessive bleeding: you should not be passing blood clots larger than a 10-cent piece

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please reach out to your GP.

Resources to check out for more information and support:

Join Facebook support groups – there are so many out there!

Great Instagram pages to follow:

@endogram

@endogirlgang

@endometrosis_wa

‘How to Endo’ book by Bridget Hustwaite