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Endometriosis awareness month: Signs and treatment of painful condition that often goes undiagnosed

Enndometriosis is a chronic condition that can significantly decrease the quality of one's life

Every year, the month of March is observed as endometriosis awareness month. Endometriosis is a chronic disease that can affect anyone who has a menstrual cycle. It is associated with severe pain that affects roughly 11 percent of women and those with a uterus between 15 and 44 years of age.

Endometriosis awareness month was recognized by The New York State Department of Health to raise awareness about the condition that can cause severe pain and infertility. To make it worse, the condition often goes undiagnosed.

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What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when the endometrium, the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the organ where it shouldn't. Although these growths are not malignant, they can nonetheless produce lasting, incapacitating issues that lower the quality of life.

When endometriosis takes hold, the endometrial tissue migrates to other parts of the body. The pelvis and other body parts may develop scars (adhesions, fibrosis) as a result of the disease's chronic inflammatory reactions.

Signs and symptoms of endometriosis

Ovulation pain

Bloating

Heavy, long, or erratic periods

Pain during or after sexual intercourse

Thigh pain

Chronic pain in lower back and pelvis

Painful and erratic bowel movements

Chronic fatigue

Vomiting and nausea

Endometriosis treatment 

There is currently no known cure for endometriosis. The natural progression of the disease can, however, be slowed down or stopped by awareness, early detection, and treatment. It can also lessen the long-term impact of the symptoms. Painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and contraceptive steroids are typical treatments.

Endometriosis lesions, adhesions, and scar tissue may be removed surgically. However, the severity of the disease is frequently a factor in how well surgery works in reducing discomfort and improving the chances of getting pregnant.

'It spreads, it grows, it damages your organs'

Thanks to the increasing awareness, several individuals have taken to social media to warn others of the chronic problem. A user wrote, "Feeling guilty for resting? Dont. Reminder: “you’re not lazy, your body is just trying to help you survive.” Another noted, "Reminding myself that no matter how much it hurts, I can still smile! Hope everyone is doing okay or well today, and if not- you have my love." A third tweet read, "Endometriosis: It spreads. It grows. It damages organs. It causes pain. It causes lethargy and a decline in mental health. It incapacitates. It impacts many parts of the body. It comes back. There is no cure. It almost sounds like a type of cancer."

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