Have yor ever felt some menstrual pain so intense that they prevent you from living normally? Or perhaps, do you know a friend who is suffering from them? 🤔
Endomandriosis is a disease who is close to one in ten women, but which is still too little known. So today, let's talk about it together!
Summary
Endometriosis, what is it?
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease where from tissue similar to uterine mucosa develops in outside the uterus.
This fabric can then to settle on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the peritoneum, and sometimes even on others organs of the peritoneal cavity, such as the bladder or the intestines.
It is estimated that about 10% of women of childbearing age are endometriosis-related conditions. However, many of them are still unaware that they are suffering from itYou are not alone in this case, and talking about it is already a big step. 💛
Understanding Endometriosis
For many years, endometriosis was unknown to the public. However, for a few years now, researchers and doctors have been increasingly focusing on this disease, its different shapes and its origin to have a better understanding of endometriosis.
The different forms of endometriosis
Endometriosis can take different shapes, which explains why symptoms vary so much from one woman to another. Let's take a look together the main types of endometriosis and their impacts on the body. 🌸
Superficial endometriosis
Superficial endometriosis is the shape the more common and the less invasive.
👉 What are the symptoms of superficial endometriosis?
Even if it is called "superficial", this form of endometriosis can be very painful.
The pain are generally located in the lower abdomen, especially during menstruation. Some women also experience digestive or urinary discomfort, depending on the proximity of the lesions to other organs.
She is more difficult to detect on ultrasound or MRI, because the lesions are very fine.
The laparoscopy, an intervention that allows for the examination of the abdomen or pelvis using a laparoscope (a thin tube-like instrument) is sometimes necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Ovarian endometrioma (or endometriotic cyst)
The ovarian endometrioma is a particular form of endometriosis that affects the ovaries. It is about old blood-filled cysts, which gives them a dark brown color (that's why it's nicknamed "chocolate cyst").
👉 What are the symptoms of an ovarian endometrioma?
Of chronic pelvic pain, able to radiate all the way to the back, of pain during menstruation, more intense than normal or even some fertility issues, as cysts can alter the quality of the oocytes.
Even if these cysts are not cancerous, they can grow over time and cause complications such as a ovarian torsion or a rupture of the cyst. This is extremely painful and may require emergency surgery.
Unlike superficial endometriosis, the ovarian endometrioma is easier to spot at the ultrasound or MRI.
Deep (or infiltrating) endometriosis
Deep endometriosis is the shape the strictest.
The lesions do not just settle on the surface of the organs, they sink deeply into the fabrics, sometimes on more than 5 mm.
👉 What are the symptoms of deep endometriosis?
The most common are very intense pain during menstruation. You may also feel some pain during sexual intercourse even outside the rules.
Other symptoms, such as digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea) or some urinary pain, may be present if the bladder or intestine are affected. Some radiating pain can also be felt up to the legs.
This form of endometriosis is generally clearly visible on the MRI, and its diagnosis is often confirmed by laparoscopy.
Every woman lives endometriosis Differently, some suffer greatly with superficial endometriosis, while others may have deep endometriosis without experiencing major symptoms! It is not the size of the lesions that determines the intensity of the pain, but rather their location and their impact on the organs.
If endometriosis can be manifest in different ways and with a variable intensity, one question remains: why do some women suffer from it and others do not? The exact causes remain unclear, but several scientific avenues help explain its emergence. Understanding its origin is essential to better grasp the disease and consider appropriate solutions.
Where does endometriosis come from?
Why do some women develop endometriosis while others do not? 🤔
Science does not yet have all the answers, but several theories exist:
- Retrograde menstruation: in some women, a part of the menstrual blood would flow back into the abdomen instead of being expelled, leading to the attachment of endometrial cells to other organs.
- Immune system failure: normally, the body eliminates these dead cells. But in some women with endometriosis, the dead cells are not removed, which causes inflammation and pain.
- Genetic factors: If your mother or sister is affected by endometriosis, your risk of having it is higher. Endometriosis may be partly hereditary.
Certain physical conditions increase the risk of endometriosis:
- Having your early rules (before 11 years)
- Having some short cycles (less than 27 days) exposes to more menstrual cycles, which could promote the disease.
- Or on the contrary have long and heavy periods is a factor, often linked to an excess of estrogens.
Do you recognize yourself? Don't worry! These factors do not mean that you have endometriosis, but if you feel abnormal pain or symptoms related to endometriosis, it is better to consult a doctor. 😊
What are the common symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is sometimes called "the disease with a thousand faces" because its symptoms vary from one woman to another.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis :
- Dysmenorrhea: extremely painful periods that do not go away with a simple painkiller.
- Dyspareunia: pain during sexual intercourse.
- Chronic pelvic pain: sensation of pinching or burning in the lower abdomen.
- Digestive troubles: constipation, diarrhea, bloating.
- Chronic fatigue: constant exhaustion, even after a good night's sleep.
- Infertility: some women have difficulty conceiving.
If these symptoms sound familiar, don't wait to see a doctor! The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better you can manage the illness. ✅
And if you want to learn more about all the symptoms of endometriosis, we have written a comprehensive article on this topic!
Fortunately, solutions exist to better living with endometriosis ! You are not alone, and there are treatments tailored to each situation. 😊
Endometriosis Diagnosis
Why does it often take years before a woman is diagnosed? 🤔 Unfortunately, endometriosis is still too little known and its symptoms can be confused with other disorders.
As we have seen, there are several methods to diagnose endometriosis:
- Clinical examination: palpation and discussion with a doctor.
- Medical imaging: ultrasound or MRI to detect any lesions.
- Laparoscopy: surgical intervention to directly examine the tissues and make a certain diagnosis.
However, today, the women face difficulties before receiving a clear and confirmed diagnosisOn average, it takes 7 years to obtain a diagnosis! ⌛️
This can be explained by a lack of awareness, symptoms similar to other diseases and especially a underestimation of female pain.
But since 2020, the medical school programs include endometriosis, to help future doctors more easily identify endometriosis.
👉 You are not crazy, your pain is real. Don't give up and insist with your doctor until you find the cause of your pain.
What treatments are available for endometriosis?
Endometriosis is not completely curable., but several solutions exist to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life.
First of all, the medication treatments are often the first option.
The hormones (contraceptives, progestins, GnRH injections) allow to reduce pain en inhibiting the growth of the endometrial tissue.
Les anti-inflammatories, for their part, help to calm the pain, especially during menstruation!
When medications are not enough, the surgery may be considered.
La conservative surgery consists of remove the lesions while preserving the uterus and ovaries. In more severe cases, a hysterectomy (hysterectomy) may be proposed, although it remains a last resort solution. 😊
Finally, complementary approaches can help to better manage endometriosis pain on a daily basis. Some women find relief through osteopathy, acupuncture ou yoga. Also, the physiotherapy, relaxation et an anti-inflammatory diet can have a positive impact!
But be careful, these are the solutions that currently exist, but not necessarily the ones that suit you! Every woman is different, and the choice of treatment for endometriosis must always be discussed with a doctor.
Living with endometriosis
As you can understand, Endometriosis is not limited to physical pain.. It can impact all aspects of your life, from work to social relationships. The chronic fatigue and the pain can make the difficult daily life, affecting concentration and productivity at work. And in the personal sphere, the misunderstanding of those around can sometimes lead to a feeling of isolation. 😖
Fortunately, some existing solutions to better manage the disease.
Un psychological support, through therapy or support groups, allows for sharing with other women who are experiencing the same thing and better accepting the illness.
On the wellness side, a anti-inflammatory diet, a adapted physical activity and moments of relaxation can help to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life!
Every woman finds her own strategies to better living with endometriosisSo why not you? You are not alone in experiencing this. 💛
Endometriosis is therefore a complex disease which affects many women around the world. Yet, it remains too often unknown and underestimated. The pains, the difficulties in diagnosis and the impact on daily life make this struggle exhausting, but it is important to remember that you are not alone! Some millions of women share this reality and together, we can change mindsets and improve support. 😊
Today, the voice is being freed, the advanced search and awareness is growing. The more we talk about it, the more things change. By informing yourself, sharing your experience, or simply daring to consult a specialist, you are participating in this fight. 💙
