Endometriosis is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects many women worldwide. For those who suffer from it, the pain and symptoms can be debilitating, impacting various aspects of their daily lives. This is why organizations like Enduring Endo play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support, and offering valuable resources for individuals dealing with Endometriosis.
About Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a uterus disease that affects about 190 million women worldwide. It can start after an adolescent's first period and can last until menopause. This disease is caused when tissue that is similar to the uterus lining grows outside of the uterus. The cause of this disease is not known and there is no known way to stop endometriosis. This is why more research done in this space is so imperative.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms that can result from endometriosis. It typically causes sever pain in the pevic region, specifically during a menstraul cycle. It can also cause pain during sex and when utilizing the restroom. 50% of women with endo experience fertility problems. Some women don't experience any symptoms even if they do have endometriosis. And, the amount of endometrial tissue present outside the uterus does not correspond to how much pain someone experience. For those who do experience symptoms in addition to chronic pevic/adominal pain, they may include: experiencing heavy bleeding during periods or in between periods, fertility issues, bloating or nausea, fatigue, and depressionor anxiety. These symptoms may be somewhat relieved after menopause in some cases. Health care workers have had a hard time diagnosing endometriosis because the symptoms caused by endo are varied and extensive.
Affect and Diagnosis
Endometriosis affects so many women globally. It can cause debilitating pain and can diminish a women's quality of life. It is so essential that we find more ways to address endometriosis to help individuals and their well-being so they can lead their best life.
There no valid ways to accurately recognize or surmise what individuals are probable to have endometriosis. Many health care workers diagnose based on a history of symptoms during a menstural cycle and pelvic and abdominal pain. The symptoms of endometriosis can be similar to other conditions, making it harder to get a diagnosis. Different forms of imaging, such as MRIs and ultrasounds can help detect ovarian endometrioma, adhesions, and deep nodular forms of the disease. And, surgery or laparoscopy can help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatments
Treatments for endometriosis depend on how severe the symptoms someone is experiencing are and whether a women is trying to get pregnant. Endometriosis cannot be cured. There are some medications that can help manage endometriosis and its symptoms. NSAIDs and painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help with pain in some cases. Birth control and other hormonal medicines can also be used to help the pain in the forms of pills, IUDs, vaginal rings, implants, and patches. These options may not be available to those trying to get pregnant. Surgery can also help remove lesions, adhesions, and scar tissues from the disease. Laparoscopy can help keep the incisions needed to diagnose small.
Enduring Endo
Because of the lack of awareness of this disease, we decided to create a non-profit to help fund research for endometriosis and to raise awareness. Enduring Endo aims to educate the public about the significant impact of Endometriosis on individuals and society as a whole. If you or someone you know is looking for support, information, or a safe space to connect with others who understand what you're going through, consider joining the Enduring Endo community. Together, we can work towards greater awareness, education, and support for Endometriosis.
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