I’ve been suffering from Endometriosis for many many years. During all these years, I’ve considered normal to cry because of the pain I was feeling during my period. I’ve considered normal to have a bloated belly that made me look like I was pregnant every day. I’ve seen many doctors, did many tests. And then I heard this word for the first time: “endometriosis” and I felt really scared.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women. And yet, many women have never heard of it. Why? Because they were told that the symptoms they were experiencing were either normal, or related to something completely different.
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, they are not normal and may be caused by Endometriosis.
- Pain during ovulation, period, or sex
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Bloating
- Tiredness
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Mood changes
Symptoms can be treated and reduced yes, but there is no cure. Pills, surgery and other methods can reduce the symptoms, but they may come back and require further treatment.
What causes endometriosis
According to Endometriosis Australia, endometriosis happens when the tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) occurs outside this layer. The lining layer is called the endometrium and this is the layer of tissue that is shed each month with menstruation (period) or where a pregnancy settles and grows.
It is likely that a number of factors may cause Endometriosis, such as genetics, environmental effects (chemicals, toxins, or viruses), and the flow of blood and the endometrium during a period.
The only way that the diagnosis of endometriosis can be made is to undergo a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic where a thin telescope is placed into the belly button.
Why I choose to share my Endometriosis story
People sometimes say it’s not a big deal. What is a bit of pain, even if this pain makes you want to smash your head against the wall because you can’t take it anymore? What is a bit of discomfort, after all, just bare with it and it will pass…or it will come back, but it will pass again. People sometimes make you feel guilty for being weak. It’s not cancer. You’re not dying. You only have to schedule many years of your life around something that is taboo, and secret. I don’t think it’s fair.
Every time I see a doctor, we talk about surgery, like I’m a machine that needs fixing. Am I still a woman that can give life? I don’t know. 30 to 40% of women suffering from Endometriosis may not have children. I’m terrified to find out. I’m terrified of surgery, of the impacts that it may have on my life and the things that may change.
This is why I’ve recorded this video. Because if you’ve never heard about Endometriosis, you should research it. Because I’m asking your support to raise money for Endometriosis Australia, an amazing charity that fights to increase recognition of endometriosis and help fund endometriosis research. To make a donation, click here.
For more information on Endometriosis, I invite you to watch this beautiful video series by Endometriosis Australia:
Together, let’s put an end to Endo!
#EndtheSilence
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Hello
After a history of painful, heavy periods and having had an ovary removed,I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Because that my remaining fallopian tube was blocked, the only chance I and my husband had of conceiving was through IVF.
The condition meant that fertility treatment was very painful in spite of the treatment it wasn’t successful .
“From the age of 17 or 18, I had very bad periods, but my GP seemed uninterested. At 21, I had emergency surgery for appendicitis and awoke to discover I had also had an ovary removed, due to a large cyst. Although I had a histology (examination with a microscope of tissue removed during surgery), endometriosis (a condition in which endometrial cells, which normally line the uterus, implant around the outside of the uterus and/or ovaries, causing internal bleeding, pain and reduced fertility) was not diagnosed until much later.
With all these challenges, the possibility of getting pregnant was very difficult…I read an article of how Rahany Herbal Center, that helped a woman to conceive with the use of the herbal treatment…I contacted the address rahanyherbalcenter@yahoo.com….I ordered for the herbs and it worked. I conceived through the use of the herbs as instructed also.
Dear Amy, Thanks for sharing your story, the story of a brave woman. Wishing you a peaceful pregnancy and beautiful life with your family!