Living with endometriosis can be very hard. It is a painful condition and can make life really uncomfortable. It affects over 170 million women worldwide. If you’re one of those women who are living with endometriosis, it would really help to have more information about it. Or, if you, a friend, or family member is at risk for developing the condition, knowing about this condition and ways to treat is helpful.
So, What is Endometriosis?
This illness is actually a disorder which impacts women who are at the age of reproduction. This means that females between the ages of about 15 and 49 are at risk. It can start earlier, like when a young girl first begins to have menstrual cycles. When a person has this condition, the tissue that’s supposed to line the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) is actually found outside of the uterus. It may be on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or elsewhere.
Even though the tissue is misplaced, it still continues to act as it does when it is in its proper place. It still bleeds during monthly cycles. But, because the tissue is not in the normal spot, the blood doesn’t have an easy way to get out of the body. So, it causes inflammation and lots of pain. When the blood is trapped, cysts can develop. Also, this condition can cause scar tissue to form.
The Experiences of Living With Endometriosis
People who are living with endometriosis usually have a lot of pain. There are several ways that pain is involved in the signs and symptoms of endometriosis:
Menstrual Cycle: Some women will have very painful menstrual cycles. Of course, monthly cycles are normally uncomfortable. But, when a person is living with endometriosis, she may experience a lot more than the “average” amount of pain. The pain could begin before and last well into the cycle.
Infertility: A lot of women who are living with endometriosis also have trouble getting pregnant. The scar tissues and adhesions that form can make it hard for women to conceive. It’s important to note that endometriosis does not always prevent pregnancy. Many women who have this disorder can still have children. But, it just might be harder to do so.
Pain During Intercourse: Often, sexual intercourse can be very painful for women who have this disorder.
Bowel Movements: Urinating can be really painful, too. This usually happens during the menstruation.
Other symptoms of endometriosis can include fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, or nausea.
Some Risk Factors
There are lots of reasons people experience this condition. A woman can have endometriosis if her mother, aunt, sister, or other female family member has had it. Also, if a girl starts menstruating at a very young age, she could possibly be at risk for endometriosis. Women who have never given birth could develop this problem, too. Other risk factors include abnormally long or short cycles and alcohol use.
Treating Endometriosis
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disorder. But, women who are living with endometriosis can do a couple of things to make life easier and manage the pain. If the symptoms are really extreme, some doctors may suggest surgery. Surgeons can remove the misplaced tissue growths. They might also help get rid of the cysts that have developed from the trapped blood. Another way to help with this disorder is to take pain medication. Prescription medicine can help women to relieve the discomfort they feel. Are you living with endometriosis? If so, you should speak with your doctor about medication options.
Some medications are a little pricey. That’s why The RX Helper was established. We work to make sure you get the medication you need without paying a large amount of money for it. If you need help paying for your endometriosis prescription, contact us today!
