What is Endometriosis? Well, by definition, "Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S., 1 million in Canada, and millions more worldwide. It occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus -- usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity." (Endometriosisassn.org)
The website goes on to say "This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation -- and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems."
All of this is very intense and for those who need me to break it down, here you go.
Basically, endometriosis is when there is a problem with the lining in a female's uterus. This problem causes other issues, like infertility and a lot of pain. It's uncomfortable and it basically feels like someone is stabbing a knife into you and just twirling it around in your stomach. Some of the symptoms are: painful periods (cramping), pain with intercourse, excessive bleeding, infertility, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, constipation and bloating.
So, here is my story with this. I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis in early 2016. I knew I had had this condition for a while, but I wasn't sure. The doctors just recently confirmed it for me. I never understood why my period were so different or why I would be in so much pain. Turns out it's passed down in genetics. My biological mother has endometriosis, so I have it.
It has been one of the worst things I have had to deal with. The first day of my period will be like this: I wake up exhausted and cramps start. At first, they are not bad at all; they're as normal girls describe them. Then, out of nowhere, they increase to such an intense level of pain. I usually have to take 3-4 Advil tablets, lay in bed with a heating pad on the highest setting and eventually, I just pass out from the pain. It gets so intense I just pass out into a sleep. Once I wake up, my body is extremely weak and very sore. It's usually bad enough that I have to call out of work and skip college classes and cancel everything for the first 2-3 days of my period. My period lasts longer too, usually 7-10 days.
I have talked to my doctors about options. All point to birth control or surgery and I don't want either. Birth control is just a huge amount of chemicals my body does not need. With surgery, I just don't want any complications or risk.
There is one thing I am worried about the most: infertility. I really want to be a mother. More than anything I want children. So, infertility scares me the most. I don't mind dealing with the pain, knowing there is still a possibility I could have children. It's just going to be hard to conceive.
Overall, I have endometriosis and it's hard. Every month is a struggle. I have pain and exhaustion and it just makes me sick for those 7-10 days. But, I'm strong and I'm seeking out different options for myself and for my body. Hopefully, I can get pain relief and I can be normal.
Endometriosis is painful and no one should be put down because "oh you have stomach cramps, you poor thing..." it's not stomach cramps. It's so much more.
