What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called the endometrium) starts to grow outside the uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs. It is estimated to effect at least 1 in 10 women / people assigned female at birth (AFAB).

Read more about endometriosis, why it can be painful, how it can be treated and how to support loved ones suffering from it.

Why is endometriosis under diagnosed / miss diagnosed?

Although severe endometriosis can sometimes be detected by a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, currently most cases of endometriosis can only be diagnosed through laparoscopy surgery. Doctors often avoid referring patients for a laparoscopy as it is an invasive and expensive procedure, and like any surgery has it's risks and significant recovery time. Therefore, often patients spend years of self advocating in order to get the surgery to get a diagnosis.

Being dismissed as a 'bad period'

Often patients with endometriosis are dismissed as having 'bad' periods and are told to get over the counter medication, such as Ibprofen or paracetamol. Debilitating period pain is NOT normal!!

The unfortunate importance of self advocacy

Due to the structure of the medical system and dismissal by doctors, fighting for answers or a diagnosis is often an uphill battle. It may help to bring a friend or family member to your appointments for comfort and reassurance. This can help build up the confidence to advocate for yourself and your needs and also have someone witness the appointment incase you need to be reassured after. When medical professionals dismiss severe period "symptoms", it can be easy to question yourself or become confused. It can also help to write down all your symptoms before your appointments so you can refer to it while advocating for yourself and your pain, this list can help remind you why you are fighting for medical help and that your symptoms are real.

The birth control 'solution'

Often the treatment for period related ailments is different forms of hormonal birth control. Although this may help temporarily reduce some symptoms, it is not a long term solution and can also create more issues due to potential side effects of being on hormonal medications. If you do not feel hormonal birth control is the right solution for you it is important to express that. It is not the only option. Surgery to remove endometriosis can help relieve symptoms, as well as other holistic methods.

Surrounding yourself with loved ones

The medical fight to being heard is exhausting in itself so in your personal life it's important to surround yourself with those who believe you and support you with out judgement. Your pain is yours and you are the only one who can know how you feel, whether in the medical world or in your personal life, anyone who dismisses your pain just because it is not visible to them is not a positive contribution to your life.

At the end of the day the most important aspect is to surround yourself with those who support you and believe you.