Endometriosis is a chronic illness affecting women and girls around the world. While the exact cause is unknown, many people struggle to manage living with endometriosis. It’s difficult to diagnose – often taking up to seven years – and can cause many uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms.

This Endometriosis Awareness Month, we’re taking a closer look at what living with endometriosis looks like.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis (endo for short) is a condition characterised by the presence of tissue resembling endometrium (the uterus lining) outside the uterus. Affecting around 10% of women and girls globally (190 million), it is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, along with a long list of other uncomfortable symptoms.

While the exact cause of endo is unknown, some possible factors include family history, retrograde (backward) menstruation and metaplasia. Some other possible contributing factors include:

• Long and heavy periods
• Frequent periods or short cycles
• Starting your first period before age 11
• Having your first pregnancy when you’re older
• Troubles with your immune system
• Low body weight
• Alcohol use

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of endometriosis vary between women. Some may experience a number of symptoms, while others may not have any. A few of the most common symptoms include the following:

Period pain

Many women experience painful periods (dysmenorrhea). However, this may be a sign of endo. Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and continue several days into your period. It’s common to experience lower back and abdominal pain too.

Pain during intercourse

People with endometriosis may experience pain during or after intercourse – also known as dyspareunia.

Pain with bowel movements or urination

This symptom may become more prominent during your menstrual period. You may also experience other related problems, such as a change in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhoea), the need to urinate more frequently, or any changes to your regular pattern.

Excessive bleeding

Excessive bleeding is common among endo sufferers. This can take the shape of some of the following:

• Heavy menstrual periods
• Intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding between periods)
• Irregular menstrual bleeding (with or without a regular cycle)
• Bleeding longer than normal
• Bleeding before your period is due

If you’re unsure whether the bleeding you’re experiencing is normal or not, reach out to your specialist.

Reduced quality of life

Unfortunately, some endo sufferers experience a significantly reduced quality of life. This can include symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, mood changes, bloating or nausea – especially during menstrual periods.

When to get help

Knowing when to get help can sometimes be tricky when living with endometriosis. Some women have no symptoms at all and only find out about their endo during other surgeries or fertility tests. However, the following reasons are signs you should be seeking further help:

• You’re missing work, school, or recreational activities due to period pain
• Period pain medication doesn’t help reduce the pain
• You’re staying in bed due to the pain
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• Your symptoms are upsetting you
• Your mental health is deteriorating

This list is by no means exclusive. It’s important to listen to your body and do what you feel is best.

Tips for living with endo

For those living with endometriosis, it’s crucial that you speak to a medical professional about managing your condition, as everyone’s different. However, here are some tips that may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

Take pain medication when required

Before seeking any pain relief, it’s crucial to talk to your pharmacist or medical professional – this blog is general in nature and shouldn’t be a substitute for talking to a medical professional.

Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most effective when taken several days before you expect your period or endometriosis pain. If you still aren’t experiencing relief, speak to your healthcare professional about pain prescription medications.

Use heat to combat the pain

Ladies, many of us have done it – whipped out our trusty wheat packs, hot water bottles or similar apparatuses during painful periods. Using heat to ease the pain is scientifically proven. When you use heat therapy, blood vessels dilate, promoting blood flow and helping muscles relax.

Electric heating pads, hot compresses, heat patches, or even taking a nice hot bath are great ways to find relief. Remember – never use extreme heat as it may lead to burns.

Change your diet

There have been studies that point to a link between what you eat and endometriosis. Following a diet high in animal products and red meat can increase oestrogen production, which can lead to abnormal tissue growth.

To improve your diet, consider eating more fruit, vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts and flaxseeds. Try to avoid processed foods and foods that contain trans fats, as well as limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake.

Keep up your exercise

When you feel rubbish, the last thing you feel like doing is getting up and going to the gym. Periods make you feel all sorts of things in general. Throw in endo, and you’re basically a cocktail of emotions and pain.

Although it may be difficult, exercising and moving your body can help. When you exercise, your body produces less oestrogen and increases blood circulation. It also releases endorphins in the brain, which can reduce pain sensations. High-intensity activities, such as running, aerobics or cycling can help to reduce symptoms. Low-intensity activities like Pilates or yoga can help reduce stress and manage pelvic pain.

Speak to a professional about chronic pain management

Chronic pain affects people differently. Regarding endo, it can make you feel depressed, angry, and frustrated and mess with your sleep. When you feel emotional, your pain feels worse, leading to an unending cycle of stress and pain. A specialist can offer you chronic pain management techniques to help you feel better mentally and physically.

Look into hormone therapy

Speak with your specialist about hormone therapy. Hormone therapy eases or ends your menstrual cycle, reducing the pain and inflammation often experienced with endometriosis. This type of therapy can help slow the growth of the endometrial tissue, prevent new growth, and minimise endo-related pain. Be sure to chat with a medical professional about your options.

Consider your surgical options

While the above techniques can work to manage pain and live with endometriosis, none of them can cure it. Minimally invasive surgery that removes the endometrial tissue outside your uterus is the only way to treat the underlying cause. This option is something to consider and talk to your healthcare professional about.

Living with endometriosis can cause chronic pain and disruptions to regular life functions. While it can be debilitating for some, others may be unaware that they have this incurable illness. This Endometriosis Awareness Month, be sure to monitor yourself extra closely for any abnormal symptoms and continue to get regular check-ups.