What is Endometriosis?
Hello, my lovely readers, welcome back to the positive nexus. I know, it’s been a while, however, a lot of things have happened in the last couple of months. I am genuinely not proud of the same. But I am trying to get back on my feet and post daily.
Now tell me how are you all? I hope all of you are doing great.
As you can see from the title we are all gathered here to discuss the not so talked about topic which is ‘Endometriosis’. I have been recently diagnosed with a medical situation. Yes, the symptoms of the painful period were there for a long time. However, considering the issue as something every woman experiences during those days made me ignore my symptoms all these years.
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My Story On Endo Started As…..
You know what one of my dearest friends suggested to me to consult a gynae ASAP. Why? Since she was struggling with a painful period which caused her fever and sometimes she wailed too. This is definitely not cool. I believe that this cannot be my case as well.
However, one day, I came across a YouTube video where the influencer lady spoke about her recent surgery she detailed down everything about her endo journey. This was in 2023. I sat quiet and pondered about the symptoms.
Painful periods were one of the lot, but she also struggled with energy loss, was demotivated to get up from bed, and felt sleepy all day long. This was my case as well. I felt sleepy and tired even though I was not doing any physical labor at all.
Since I was working from home at that time, I felt my less exposure to the sun and constant sitting in one position might be affecting my physical energy. However, this topic struck me in some way or the other.
Now, I was a heavy fast food eater and I was amongst the ones who loved consuming outside food a lot. If you are from India you must know that Biriyani is one of the most popular foods which can make you fall in love with the option. I love Biryani. And I used to have Biriyani every weekend.
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Well, this was not an issue at all. Also, I am not indicating that only Biriyani is the problem. Here outside food, well that could have been anything, caused me a lot of stomach disorders.
My experience was a shooting deadly pain in my stomach and it persisted for 7-8 hours, trust me I am not at all exaggerating. The pain was accompanied by puking in at intervals of 30-60 mins until all the unwanted food used came out cleaning my stomach. Also, I can’t forget, loose motion. Yes, I suffered a lot.
So, this repeated health situation made me visit the health care provider which made me go for a USG. This USG report gave me the idea that I must consult a Gynae immediately since the report showed a cyst in my ovary.
After a doctor consultation, I came to know about my endo situation. The doctor clearly said that there is no cure for this, however, it’s treatable and can be managed. Anything with meds was okay for me. Further, I am not yet ready for surgery. It will put me on rest for 6 weeks minimum, well I have educated myself by watching others’ experiences on YouTube.
So, my treatment began. The doctor prescribed me hormonal treatment. It was a contraceptive medication. But its primary purpose was to add Ethinyl Estradiol + Gestodene into my body and stop the release of unfertilized eggs. It was kind of a temporary menopause situation.
Since I experienced heavy bleeding on my first day, seconded by excruciating pain, I was happy with the ‘no period’ situation. I felt free and carefree. However, I also struggled with repeated dark thoughts which we will discuss at some other time.
I am going through a Spiritual Awakening right now, the repetitive dark thoughts might be because of that as well. I am not sure. But I suffered a lot in my dark phase for certain.
Let’s’ come to the topic… What is Endometriosis?
Here are the details, extracted from ChatGpt-
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition. Here the tissues similar to the lining inside the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus. This abnormal growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and other organs within the pelvis.
Symptoms Of Endometriosis:
- Pelvic Pain: Often associated with menstrual periods but can also occur between cycles.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods.
- Pain with Intercourse: Often experienced during or after sex.
- Pain with Bowel Movements or Urination: Typically during menstrual periods.
- Infertility: Endometriosis can be found in 20-40% of women who are infertile.
- Other Symptoms: Fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
Causes Of Endometriosis:
The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but several theories exist, including:
- Retrograde Menstruation:
Menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body. - Embryonic Cell Transformation:
Like estrogen may transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like cell implants during puberty. - Surgical Scars:
After surgeries like a hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells may attach to the surgical incision. - Immune System Disorders:
Problems with the immune system take place. The body goes unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis:
- Pelvic Exam:
Detects cysts or scars behind the uterus. - Ultrasound:
Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. - MRI:
Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of organs and tissues. - Laparoscopy:
A surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the pelvis to identify and possibly remove endometrial tissue.
Treatment Of Endometriosis:
- Medications:
Pain relief (NSAIDs), hormone therapy (birth control pills, Gn-RH agonists, and antagonists). - Surgery:
To remove endometriotic lesions. It’s often considered if other treatments fail or if the patient wishes to become pregnant. - Fertility Treatment:
For women who have difficulty becoming pregnant due to endometriosis.
Impact:
Endometriosis can significantly affect the quality of life due to chronic pain and fertility issues. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are essential for managing symptoms and improving life quality.
Back To My Story Of Endometriosis
Now, I would highly suggest that if you are struggling with any of the above-mentioned symptoms go visit your gynae right now.
After I started using hormonal treatment for my endo, it’s been 5 months already. And now, I have changed my Gynae and also went for another USG.
My present doctor has changed my meds and she wants to adopt the medication treatment path for the next 6 months and see if my cysts are healing or not.
I have been called to visit her in one month, I will surely update you on the same.
Now, after proceeding with my hormonal treatment, I went through panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and stress from time to time. Sometimes it persisted for days. I told my present doctor about the same. So what she has prescribed me right now, is suggested to me on a trial basis to see if my symptoms are recurring or not.
I feel after I have started consuming my current meds, I am more optimistic. My pelvic pain is still there but they go unnoticed sometimes. Right now, I am waiting for my period to begin and see how much I struggle this time.
Also, do you experience a heavy painful period if you exercise? Do let me know in the comment section. And we will talk about the same in the upcoming blogs.
So, this is all the recent updates on my Endo journey. I will inform you of all of the changes or any updates in the next treatment follow-up.
But this is all for today, I hope to meet you all next time. Thank you for reading till here.
Bye Bye….
