The Truth About Endometriosis
"Just get on with it, every woman has to"
"It's just heavy periods isn't it?"
"Take paracetamol"
"You are over reacting"
"Can I catch it from you?"
The list of things I have heard when trying to deal with Endometriosis is shocking. Your either labelled as a hypochondriac or thought of as weak as 'every woman goes through bleeding'. The actual truth about Endometriosis will shock many people and will absolutely change these views - I am here to set the record straight. I recently did a video with BBC Wales for their BBC SESH social media channels outlining my experience about endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the womb (endometrium) is found outside of the womb. In my case it has been found in the pelvic wall and the Pouch of Douglas. From the age of 12 when I started my periods I knew that I wasn't quite right; fainting, throwing up, excessive bleeding and unbearable pain.
Each month like a normal period, the endometrium cells build up and then break down however unlike those from a normal period - the blood has no way to escape and thus causes inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
The thing I want to raise awareness too is the symptoms of Endometriosis. A lot of people don't realise how much this condition affects daily life. It's not just painful heavy periods - it is a whole host of things. These are some of the things that I face daily with Endometriosis;
- Chronic Fatigue
- Heavy and painful periods
- Pain during and after sex
- Feeling of Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shooting pains down my legs
- Lower back pain
- Bloating
- Painful bowel movements
The chronic condition affects many women however plenty don't get diagnosed for years due to not going and speaking to their GP. If you suffer from some of the symptoms above and think that you may have endometriosis please go and see the GP.
Can it be cured? No. however it can be managed. I have had two laparoscopies and one with diathermy to essentially laser the endometrium. This will continue to build and daily I suffer, however the key is managing the condition and ensuring that it doesn't get in the way of daily life. If you ever feel that I can help you, please get in touch.
With love,
Leanne xx
