Endometriosis: The Red Flags
Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 Australian people with a uterus. This painful condition involves the tissue similar to what lines the uterus grows on other parts of the body. Endometriosis tissue is commonly found in the pelvic region, including the bowels, bladder and ovaries.
On average it takes 6 years to receive a diagnosis for this condition.
Why?
It is thought that a contributing factor is the taboo of surrounding periods. That we are not taught what is normal and expected when it comes to their menstrual cycle and what isn’t. For a lot of people with endometriosis, they go years unaware that the symptoms they were experiencing were out of the ordinary.
At Healthcare Evolutions we want to open the conversation of periods and educate people young and old what is expected and what should be considered a concern to hopefully help minimize the diagnosis period for conditions such as endometriosis.
1.Painful Periods
The most common red flag amongst those with diagnosed endometriosis is dysmenorrhea (painful periods). For those with endometriosis, period pain can be debilitating. While some cramping is to be expected during your period, this pain should not stop you from your daily duties. For something that should be common knowledge, a lot go through years of painful cycles before becoming aware of this. When you have endometriosis it is common for this chronic pelvic pain to occur outside the period as well.
2. Painful Sex
Something a lot of us don’t learn in high school sex education is that sex should not be painful. While discussing sex with a health practioner an be uncomfortable, this is a concern that is worth being noted. Endometriosis can cause painful sex due to inflammation and the growth of endometriosis tissue in the Pouch of Douglas (a small area of tissue located behind the uterus). It is highly recommended for those experiencing painful sex to see a advice on a pelvic floor physiotherapist for treatment and support.
3. Painful Toilet Trips
Another fundamental symptom of endometriosis is the unpleasant toilet trips. This can involve uncomfortable urination and painful bowel movements. When it comes to number twos discomforts can include constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. Many with endometriosis describe the pain that comes with bowel movements “sharp and intense” pains. It is often that when these symptoms are mentioned to a doctor it is assumed that the issue is something along the lines of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Almost 15% of those with endometriosis are misdiagnosed because of these symptoms.
If these red flags are sounding a little too familiar to you we strongly urge you to see a health professional. At Healthcare Evolutions we can discuss your symptoms and organize investigations to rule out other causes. Our best cause of action will be referring you to a specialized gynaecologist who can offer better suited advice. The only way to properly diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery which can be performed by said gynaecologist.
If you are looking to take the first step to taking charge of your pain
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