March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month and recognising this monthly battle for many women.
There are over 740,000 Aussie women who often have to pick themselves up off the floor (literally) to keep moving forward, to fight through incredible pain and still plaster a smile on their face.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body. More than 10% of Australian women suffer with endometriosis at some point in their life with the disease often starting in teenagers.
What causes endometriosis?
The causes of endometriosis are not completely known. Some causes include:
Possible risk factors include:
long and heavy periodsfrequent periods or short cyclesstarting your period before 11having your first pregnancy when you're olderproblems with the immune systemlow body weightalcohol use
Symptoms of endometriosis:
heavy periods or irregular bleedingabdominal or pelvic pain before and during a period, when having sex or going to the toiletbleeding between periodsbleeding from the bladder or bowel, or changes in urination or bowel movementsfeeling bloatedbeing tired and moody, especially around the time of your periodnot being able to get pregnant (infertility).
However, not everyone with endometriosis will experience symptoms.
Endometriosis can usually be treated with medications or surgery. Factors that affect the choice of treatment include:
your symptomsthe severity of your endometriosiswhether you want to become pregnant.
If you have any queries, please see your GP.
Resources: