What is Endometriosis

 

Endometriosis is when tissue that is similar to that inside the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus.  When you have your period this excess tissue will shed too except the blood has no where to go which is why your periods are more painful.  If it grows on your ovaries it can cause cysts.  Its also possible that organs can start sticking together with the extra tissue growth.  I have read that massaging your stomach in those areas can help it become unstuck.  There is no known specific reason why some people get it and why some don't.  There is also no known cure, there hasn't been enough research.  I do wonder if that is because there isn't enough money in researching endometriosis.  They can give you birth control but I had that and it didn't do anything for me.  You can have surgery but there is a chance that could damage your eggs or you may end up with a whole ovary being removed.  My doctor did say if I got pregnant then it would probably go away but since endometriosis can also cause fertility problems its a bit annoying.  There are changes you can make in lifestyle, diet etc which I will get into in future posts.  If you have endometriosis you may suffer from one or more of the following:

• Pain in your lower stomach or back which will be worse during your period.
• Heavier periods.
• Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities.
• Pain during or after sex.
• Pain when going to the toilet.
• Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea or blood in your pee or poop during your period
• difficulty getting pregnant.