By Arielle Denise Dance, MA in Women’s Health

Endometriosis…such a big word that can be very confusing. If you were to search the word, there would be information about painful periods, possible infertility and treatment options of surgery and birth control. You may find pictures of damaged reproductive organs from years of scarring or women doubled over in pain. If you were to ask me to simply explain this big word, endometriosis, I’d tell you that it is a disease of women’s reproductive organs that causes intense pain especially during their periods. Endometriosis can keep some women from doing daily activities like going to school or work and even from having children.

A woman with endometriosis may feel pain even when it is not time for her period. The pain may be cramping, sharp, dull, achy or stabbing. Some women feel pain on one side of their belly or in many places. Endometriosis may also cause pain in the legs and back along with headaches, pain with bowel movements or urination. Bloating, constipation and diarrhea are also possible.  All of these symptoms can seem unbearable and can cause extreme exhaustion.

“What causes endometriosis?” Some doctors say that when a young woman gets her period, her uterus sheds on the inside and the outside. When it sheds on the inside, that’s normal because it comes out during the menstrual period; however, when the shedding happens outside the uterus it’s trapped and has nowhere to escape causing a lot of pain to the millions of women who suffer from endometriosis. With the disease trapped inside, it usually spreads causing pain in other organs like the bowel or bladder which can cause pain during bowel movements or urination.

Other doctors believe that endometriosis can be passed down in families or is caused by certain types of foods or toxins in the environment. Unfortunately, with all these ideas there is still no known cause or cure for this painful disease and it continues to go undiagnosed in millions of women.

“How is endometriosis diagnosed?” If a young woman has symptoms during her period (or at any time) that seem abnormal (i.e. heavy bleeding, intense cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fainting), she should talk to a parent, guardian or trusted adult. These symptoms should be discussed with a doctor to find ways to tackle the pain and any abnormal symptoms.

In order for a doctor (gynecologist) to know if a woman has endometriosis they must do surgery (usually called a laparoscopy) in which they make small incisions in the abdomen and belly button in order to explore. If endometriosis is found in the pelvic cavity, the surgeon will use a laser or special instruments to remove the disease.

“What is the treatment?” Unfortunately, even the surgery is not a cure and cannot keep the disease from returning.  After surgery, birth control pills are often used in order to help regulate the hormone levels and growth of the disease. Pain throughout the menstrual cycle is often controlled with pain relievers. Women are encouraged to stay as active as possible doing exercises and stretches, eating healthy and avoiding toxins. Many patients participate in yoga, meditation, massage, reiki (energy healing) and acupuncture as non-traditional forms of healing. Sadly, many women continue to suffer in pain for years and have more surgeries in hopes of relief.

“What if I have endometriosis?” Please don’t let this article scare you. Many of the symptoms you’re experiencing may not mean you have endometriosis, but have a talk with an adult and your doctor just in case. If you are diagnosed with endometriosis, don’t worry. Although you are in a lot of pain, there is a lot of research being done to find a cure. Try to find a doctor that specializes in endometriosis care and adolescents. A list of specialists can be found through respected endometriosis associations and foundations. Also consider finding a support group where you can talk to other young women who have the disease and who you can lean on as you learn about your body.

Having endometriosis is a great time to educate your family and friends about the disease and their health! You never know who may need to hear about endometriosis or who may be too afraid to go to the doctor. Many women live in pain and pass it off as normal. No pain is normal. You may have to educate your school nurse or pediatrician. They aren’t always used to seeing this “grown up” disease in young women. But the truth is any woman who has started menstruating is able to have endometriosis. You’re never too young.

Finally, stay active and don’t let this horrible disease take away all the fun times. You will be in pain but try to encourage yourself and press to stay involved in your daily activities. You don’t want to regret missing out on school dances, football games, plays, try outs or dates. There is so much to do in your youth; endometriosis does not have to steal them from you. Take time to rest when you have to but have fun and enjoy being you!

For additional information you can visit http://www.endocenter.org/killercramps.htm or http://www.endo-resolved.com/specialist.html.

By Arielle Denise Dance – Video blog on Endometriosis and Women’s Health Topics