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
I had a friend that had this. I never new exactly what it was till I just read your article.
Hi Veronica! Thanks for visiting our site. Happy to have shared! The more women that know about the disease the more that can be helped. It is sad to think of all the women that suffer silently not knowing the pain is not normal.
What a great and informative post. My mother suffered with this for years, as has my sister. I think the message that pain is not normal is great for young girls and women of all ages to hear. Thanks for always having such great pieces on your site!
Thanks for visiting Kathy. I’m sorry to hear you have family that has suffered from this disease. (us too!) We will also doing some follow up posts directed at younger girls on endo. Hoping to raise awareness about this disease.
It’s great that you’ve made this site and have articles like the one above to help young girls through their developmental years. I love that your writing is pitched right at their level too – no hugely confusing, long scientific terms – just clear, informative language that’s so easy to follow.
Kristina
Thank you Kristina for the kind words! It is always great to hear what specifically people are enjoying.
Such great information here. I don’t personally have endometriosis (at least not that I’m aware of) but I do know some people who’ve struggled with it over the years. Tweeted this valuable information out to my followers.
Blessings,
~Rosann
Your support is always appreciated Rosann! Thank you so much for sharing. We hope to increase awareness for Enometriosis Awareness month in March!
“Killer” cramps–cramps that don’t go away after taking an over-the-counter pain medication and using a heating pad–are NOT NORMAL! Visit http://www.EndometriosisAssn.org to take an interactive quiz “Do I Have Endometriosis” and to find out more about endo.
You can also contact the Endometriosis Association for a brochure about endo for teens, and another for girls. (Endo has been diagnosed in girls as young as 8–even prior to having the first menstrual period!) Email: support@EndometriosisAssn.org
Thanks for sharing this— a lot of women in my family has this and I so scared that I might have it due to my painful periods but luckily it was something else.
Thank you for visiting our site! Glad to hear you escaped the disease. Sorry to hear many of your family members were not as fortunate.
This is a great article and a great site.
Eco-Crazy Mom sent me… I have searched Endometriosis trying to find out more and wanted to let you know= this is a great article! Thank you!
Thank you for visiting us Danielle! Glad to hear you liked the article. Stay tuned for follow up articles on Endometriosis as we approach March – Endometriosis Awareness Month. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this great information! I have a friend who has this and I have never really been sure of what it is! I am so glad that I can share more of this with her and also be aware of things she is going through. Thank you!! Eco crazy mom sent me
Thank you for visiting Beth! Glad to help you understand a little more about the disease. Please let us know if there is anything we can help you with.
i had this and then ended up with other complications
Glad I heard about your site from Ecomom – I have had several friends who suffered from Endometriosis over the years, but was never exactly sure what it was – I feel much more informed now! Thank you!
Such a great and informative article. Eco-crazy mom sent me, and I love your site!
Thanks for helping me to understand this crippling disease that so many women suffer from. I now feel better equipped to listen and understand what they’re going through.