Endometriosis awareness month

Did you know that endometriosis is just as common as diabetes, yet it is hardly discussed.

• 1 in 10 women (approximately 190 million worldwide) suffer from endometriosis.

• The average time to receive an official diagnosis is 7-10 years, leading to prolonged suffering and misdiagnosis.

• Around 75% of teenagers with chronic pelvic pain are later diagnosed with endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus in places it shouldn’t, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the intestines. This misplaced tissue acts like the uterus lining—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during the menstrual cycle. But because it has nowhere to go, it gets trapped, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes scar tissue (adhesions) that can make organs stick together.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Endometriosis symptoms vary from person to person. Some experience severe pain, while others may have no noticeable symptoms. Here are the most common signs:

1. Pelvic Pain (Main Symptom)

• Severe period cramps that don’t improve with regular painkillers

• Chronic pelvic pain that can last beyond the menstrual cycle

• Lower back pain

2. Pain During or After Sex

• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is common due to endometrial tissue in the pelvic region.

3. Heavy or Irregular Periods

• Excessive bleeding (heavy flow, needing to change pads/tampons frequently)

• Irregular cycles or bleeding between periods

4. Digestive and Bladder Issues

• Bloating (“endo belly”), nausea, diarrhea, or constipation (often mistaken for IBS)

• Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during periods

• Blood in urine or stool during menstruation (in severe cases)

5. Infertility

• 30-50% of women with endometriosis struggle to conceive due to scarring and inflammation.

6. Extreme Fatigue

• Chronic tiredness, even after resting, due to the body’s inflammatory response.

7. Leg or Nerve Pain (Less Common but Serious)

• Endometriosis can affect nerves, causing pain that radiates down the legs.

Important Notes:

• Severity of symptoms does not always match the severity of the disease—some women with mild endometriosis have extreme pain, while others with severe cases have little to no symptoms.

• Symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions like IBS, ovarian cysts, or even anxiety, leading to delayed diagnosis (7-10 years on average).

Treatment and management:

There is no cure for endometriosis, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The best approach depends on the severity of symptoms, whether fertility is a concern, and how the body responds to different treatments.

~ Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers – NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce inflammation and pain.

Prescription painkillers – In severe cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medications.

~ Hormonal Therapy (To Slow Tissue Growth)

Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings or Progestin therapy (pills, injections, or IUDs like Mirena)

~ Surgery (For Severe Cases or Infertility)

Laparoscopy (Minimally invasive surgery) – The most common procedure to remove endometrial lesions and scar tissue.

Hysterectomy (Removal of the uterus) – A last resort, but not always a cure since endometriosis can still persist in other areas.

~ Lifestyle and Natural Management

Anti-inflammatory diet – Reducing processed foods, dairy, gluten, and sugar may help.

Regular exercise – Helps with pain relief by reducing inflammation and stress.

Heat therapy – Heating pads or warm baths ease muscle tension and pain.

Acupuncture, yoga, or meditation – May help manage stress and pain.

Why Is Endometriosis So Hard to Diagnose?

Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose, with an average delay of 7–10 years from the onset of symptoms.

1. Symptoms Overlap with Other Conditions

Endometriosis mimics many other disorders, such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), ovarian cysts, UTIs, fibroids, and even anxiety.

Many women are misdiagnosed with digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, or psychological issues before doctors consider endometriosis.

2. Pain Is Often Dismissed or Normalized

Severe period pain is frequently dismissed as “just bad cramps” or “part of being a woman.”

Many people (including doctors) wrongly believe that painful periods are normal, leading to delayed medical investigation.

3. No Simple Test for Diagnosis

There’s no blood test, scan, or non-invasive way to confirm endometriosis.

Ultrasounds and MRIs can sometimes detect cysts or scar tissue, but they often miss deep or hidden endometrial lesions.

The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery, which is invasive and not always offered early on.

4. Lack of Awareness Among Doctors

Many doctors receive little to no training on endometriosis.

Some gynecologists still believe outdated myths, like “you can’t have endometriosis if you’ve never given birth” or “it only affects older women.”

As a result, patients often see multiple doctors before getting a correct diagnosis.

5. Symptoms Can Vary Widely

Some women experience excruciating pain, while others have mild symptoms or none at all despite having severe endometriosis.

Some cases are only discovered when a woman has difficulty getting pregnant.

6. Symptoms Fluctuate Over Time

Pain and other symptoms can come and go, leading some doctors to believe the condition is improving or doesn’t require further testing.

Hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause can temporarily mask or alter symptoms, making diagnosis even more complicated.

7. Cultural and Societal Barriers

In many cultures, discussing menstrual pain is taboo, leading women to suffer in silence.

Women are often told to “push through the pain” or that it’s “all in their head,” discouraging them from seeking medical help.

A reminder to go for your gynaecology checkups regularly:

1. Annual Gynecological Checkups

For most women, it’s recommended to have an annual gynecological checkupstarting in your late teens to early 20s. This is an opportunity to discuss menstrual health, reproductive health, and any symptoms that may suggest conditions like endometriosis.

2. If You Have Symptoms

If you experience any symptoms of endometriosis (severe menstrual pain, pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain during intercourse, difficulty getting pregnant), it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if it’s outside your regular checkup schedule.

If your symptoms are consistent or worsening, request an earlier appointmentor ask for a referral to a specialist. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

3. If You Have a Family History

If endometriosis or other reproductive conditions run in your family, you may need to start checkups earlier and consider more frequent visits. Talk to your doctor about increased monitoring and potential early screening.

4.Regular Cancer Screenings (Pap Smear & Mammogram)

For women over 21 years old, it’s important to have regular Pap smears every three years to screen for cervical cancer.

Mammograms are recommended every 1–2 years for women over 40 to screen for breast cancer.

Endometriosis affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. By educating ourselves and others, advocating for better diagnostic practices, and breaking the silence around menstrual health, we can create a world where no one has to suffer in silence. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with endometriosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Together, we can raise awareness, challenge stigmas, and provide support to those impacted by this condition.