Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body. It's very common, affecting around 1 in 10 of those who menstruate. For some people, it can have a significant impact on their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily routine.
The pain that some people with endometriosis experience is not cyclic. Instead, some people with endometriosis have constant pain, regardless of where they are in their menstrual cycle. People can have endometriosis pain that is persistent and interrupts their ability to partake in their daily activities.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.
Women with endometriosis can experience pelvic or lower abdominal pain, pain with menses (dysmenorrhea), pain with intercourse (dyspareunia) and pain during bowel movements (dyschezia). Symptoms can be constant or “cyclical,” meaning that they worsen before and during the period, and then improve.
Regular Exercise. Exercise happens to be one of the best coping techniques to deal with both the emotional and physical pain that stems from endometriosis. Exercise increases circulation, reduces the production of estrogen, as it releases endorphins in the brain to bring pain relief.
Like with any chronic disease, endometriosis symptoms can feel much worse when you're fatigued. Getting quality rest is important — without it, you could experience metabolic and hormonal changes, along with increased inflammation and pain. Winding down before you go to bed is key, as is your bedroom environment.
To feel better, eat more fruit, veggies, and fish. Women who eat a plant-based diet are less likely to get endometriosis. Also good: healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna, and walnuts. Cut back on beef, pork, and other red meat.
Endometriosis flare-ups can vary in length. For many, hormonal changes trigger flare-ups that occur during the menstrual cycle and can last a few days from the start to the end of menstruation. For others, other factors that cause increased inflammation and last up to several weeks can trigger flare-ups.
High levels of estrogen and stress hormone and low levels of progesterone worsen this inflammation. Common causes of endo attacks include stress, bad sleep, and pro-inflammatory foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and red meat.
Less common signs of endometriosis include changes during urination (such as pain and increased frequency) or bowel movements (such as constipation or diarrhea), back pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. Rare signs of endometriosis might include chest pain and difficulty breathing.
If your endometriosis symptoms prevent you from working, you have the same rights as with any other illness. You're entitled to self-certify yourself from work in the event of a short period. You'd only need to talk to your GP if you think you'll need to be off from work for longer than seven consecutive days.
Pelvic pain was identified as the most frequent, severe and bothersome symptom for women with endometriosis. Pain was reported to be greatest during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and during or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
The best results for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in the diagnosis of endometriosis are found in women with irregular menstruations during which the pain increases.
Untreated endometriosis can cause significant pain, bloating, excess menstrual bleeding, and digestive distress. Over time, it can also affect a person's fertility. When endometriosis tissue grows outside the uterus, it can affect other organs — especially the ovaries and reproductive structures.
The Pain Is More Than Physical
“As a practitioner, I describe endometriosis pain [as] sharp, stabbing, achey, twisting, or burning, and it may or may not correlate with your period … As a patient, I would [add that] endometriosis pain is like a gut-wrenching bomb that goes off in your insides.
Endometriosis can affect women across all ethnic backgrounds and at any age, but it most commonly affects women during their reproductive years between the ages of 25 and 35.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Pain just before, during, or after menstruation is the most common symptom. For some women, this pain may be disabling and may happen during or after sex, or during bowel movements or urination. It sometimes causes ongoing pain in the pelvis and lower back.
Pelvic pain is the most common complaint for women with endometriosis, and it can significantly impair the quality of life, including work and social activities. The pelvic pain associated with endometriosis is usually chronic (lasting more than 6 months). Pain may also occur in the abdomen and back.
Endo belly is the colloquial term for abdominal distension caused by endometriosis. Unlike the short-term bloating that sometimes accompanies your period, endo belly is much more severe, triggering physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
When properly hydrated, it reduces your risk of bloating, a common side effect of endometriosis. Proper hydration can also help alleviate cramping and improve your overall wellness. You should aim to drink at least eight cups of water every day if you live in a dry climate or exercise regularly.
Walking boosts those happy endorphins and reduces the nasty stress hormones. It can also reduce inflammation. Resist your impulse to stay on the sofa and not move. Even a little movement can help curb the pain of endometriosis.
Chronic stress accelerates the development of endometriosis.