Over 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with Endometriosis; so even if you do not have this condition yourself, it is likely that you know someone who does or who is currently seeking a diagnosis of such. Therefore, it is really important to understand what Endometriosis is, whether you may have it, or so you can better understand some of the struggles your peers are going through. This is why we at ScreenMe have a pulled together a short ‘cheat sheet’, explaining Endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where cells that are similar to those that line the uterus, are found in other places in the body, usually around other parts of the reproductive system.
According to the NHS, Endometriosis is a “condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.”
What does this mean?
The additional tissues react to your menstrual cycle and hormones each month. These additional cells react the same way as cells in the uterus lining – so, every month during your period cycle, they build up, break down, and bleed if pregnancy does not occur. However, unlike the cells lining the uterus, the blood from these additional cells is unable to leave the body, therefore causing pain, inflammation and scar tissue.
What are the symptoms?
A few of the common symptoms are:
- Back or pelvic pain which usually worsens during your period
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when going to the bathroom during your period
- Extreme period pain which prevents you from carrying out your day-to-day activities
- Extreme feelings of nausea during your period
- Difficulties conceiving
What are the misconceptions?
There are many myths about Endometriosis and what it means, but here are a few FACTS.
- Endometriosis is NOT an infection
- Endometriosis is NOT contagious
- Endometriosis is NOT cancer
How can I get diagnosed?
Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose due to the severe lack of knowledge surrounding it, the ability of symptoms to be easily attributed to other conditions, as well as issues with the gender healthcare gap in medicine. The average wait time for women in the UK to get diagnosed with Endometriosis is a shocking 8 years, which our founder Dr Golnoush knows only too well, with her own journey to diagnosis taking over 6 years of frustration and pain.
If you believe you may have Endometriosis, then speak to a GP or gynaecologist – but scans, blood tests and examinations are not conclusive. The only way to be sure that you have Endometriosis is to have a laparoscopy – where a small camera is inserted through a small cut in your stomach, so that a doctor can look for Endometriosis tissue.
How can I manage this condition?
Although there is no ‘cure’ for Endometriosis, there are ways that you can manage Endometriosis and its symptoms. The best option varies between individuals and so should be discussed with a healthcare professional, but there are a few different potential options to explore including:
- Surgery to remove affected organs or areas with Endometriosis tissue
- Tailoring your diet & lifestyle to fit your hormonal and nutritional needs – ScreenMe offers an Advanced Hormonal Balance Package, as well as an Ultimate Nutrition, Wellness & Hormonal Package to help you to understand what your own body needs. Our experts guide you through your results in your free consultation, creating bespoke plans, recommendations and supplements for you.
- Hormonal medicines such as the contraceptive implant, or GnRH analogues
- Painkillers
Support for those living with Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be difficult to deal with, but there is support available through multiple channels including:
- your GP
- support groups such as Endometriosis UK
- and of course all of us here at ScreenMe – we offer stand-alone health consultations with experts to help you to figure out what you need and why, if you are unsure.
We hope this helps you to understand what Endometriosis is, what this means, and how it can be managed! Check out the rest of our blog for more information on women’s health!
