Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women/people who menstruate and is one of the more commonly seen gynaecological conditions. 

• What is it? Cells similar to uterine lining tissue spread outside the uterus to other parts of the body. It triggers a chronic inflammatory reaction resulting in pain, chronic fatigue, and adhesions (scar tissue).
• Symptoms: 
• Painful periods, 
• Painful cramps,
• Fatigue, 
• Heavy menstruation,
• Severe pelvic pain, 
• Painful excretion, urination or sex,
• Bloating,
• Other cyclical symptoms  

Note: You can also get other ‘non-typical’ or less obvious symptoms such as:

• Unexplained Infertility
• Diaphragmatic endometriosis (pain when you breath, pain in your chest, especially cyclical in nature)
• Chocolate cysts (on ovary)
• Ovulation pain (can be due to ovaries being adhered or fallopian tubes being blocked)

Additional Reading & Sources:

• Endometriosis.ie
• Women’s Health.gov
• NHS - Endometriosis
• Endometriosis Summit

Accounts to follow:

• Endometriosis Surgeon
• Endometriosis Summit
• Extra Pelvic Not Rare
• Endo Black