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For years, Amaka believed her weakening period pain was normal. But after fainting at the office one morning, a diagnosis revealed something more alarming: Endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
Amaka’s experience is far from rare. Across the world, millions of girls and women suffer in silence, believing that extreme menstrual pain is simply part of being female. But experts warn that severe or unusual period pain is not always normal, and it could be your body’s way of flagging a serious health condition.
According to the World Health Organisation, Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant.
The word endometriosis comes from the word “endometrium,” endo means “inside,” and metrium means “uterus,” where a mother carries her baby. Healthcare providers call the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus the endometrium.
Endometriosis can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods. Fertility problems may also develop. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, and there is no known way to prevent it or cure it. However, its symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. It is often linked with menstrual periods. Although many people have cramping during their periods, those with endometriosis often describe menstrual pain that is far worse than usual. The pain may also become worse over time.
Other common symptoms of endometriosis are painful periods. Pelvic pain and cramping may start before a menstrual period and last for days into it. A person may also have lower back and stomach pain. Another name for painful periods is dysmenorrhea.
Pain with sex, pain with bowel movements or urination, and excessive bleeding. Sometimes, you may have heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods.
In some people, endometriosis is first found during tests for infertility treatment. Other symptoms may include fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea.
These symptoms are more common before or during menstrual periods.
The seriousness of the pain may not be a sign of the number or extent of endometriosis growths in your body. You could have a small amount of tissue with bad pain. You could have lots of endometriosis tissue with little or no discomfort.
Still, some people with endometriosis have no symptoms. Often, they find out they have the condition when they can not get pregnant or after they get surgery for another reason.
Causes of Endometriosis
Healthcare providers do not know for sure what causes endometriosis. When you have endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows in the wrong places. Researchers are looking for a connection between endometriosis and conditions like retrograde menstruation, immune system conditions, and hormone disorders as possible factors that may lead to the condition.
Although experts do not know the exact cause of endometriosis, they do see a connection between a family history of the condition and an increased risk of developing it at some point.
Who can get endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that most commonly impacts women between 20 and 40. It can also happen to younger people during their teenage years. Although many people find relief from endometriosis symptoms after menopause, it can still cause discomfort and pain.
Risk Factors for Endometriosis
Some factors can place you at a higher risk of developing endometriosis. These include a biological family history of endometriosis, having short menstrual cycles (fewer than 27 days between periods), having long and heavy periods (periods lasting longer than eight days) and never having children.
What complications can endometriosis cause?
Endometriosis can lead to several complications, including pain that significantly impacts well-being and daily life. Individuals with endometriosis may also encounter challenges with fertility.
Other than chronic pain and infertility, severe endometriosis can lead to complications like Bowel or bladder problems. If the tissue grows on or near the intestines, rectum or bladder, you could see blood in your pee or poop or experience intense pain when using the bathroom.
Endometriosis can also cause shortness of breath or chest pain. It rarely impacts the lungs or diaphragm, causing breathing difficulties.
Diagnosis and treatment
An endometriosis diagnosis often commences with the presentation of symptoms. Individuals experiencing dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia may seek medical consultation. During the appointment, a healthcare provider, typically a gynaecologist, will inquire about the patient’s medical history, including any familial predisposition to endometriosis.
A pelvic examination will be conducted, followed by potential orders for imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment for endometriosis typically involves medication or surgical intervention. The chosen approach will depend on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s desire for future pregnancy.
Generally, medication is the initial recommendation. If treatment proves ineffective, then surgery may be considered.
Conclusion
Finding a healthcare professional you trust is essential when managing and treating endometriosis. Before starting any treatment, consider getting a second opinion to understand all your options and their pros and cons fully.
