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Endometriosis, a term many women have heard. Some know how to explain it in detail, others have recently discovered it and learned its implications, or perhaps for some it is still an unknown topic. Because March is not only Women's Month, but also International Endometriosis Month, we want to show solidarity with the millions of women around the world who are dealing with this problem.
Endometriosis is a chronic, underreported disease that affects at least 190 million women globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This condition is associated with severe pain before and during menstruation, nausea, fatigue, often depression and anxiety, all of which inevitably affect the quality of life. Furthermore, this disease – if not diagnosed and treated correctly – leads to infertility.
Because March is, as I said, women's month, we started a campaign that we called "Every flower is different". At Femi.Eko, we celebrate diversity and encourage every woman to love her body as it is. Likewise, we are with all women who suffer from endometriosis, which is why in this article we have collected the most important tips on how to live with this condition and enjoy yourself every day.
Introduction to endometriosis: causes, symptoms and diagnosis
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the presence of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus, which is normally shed during menstruation) outside the uterus, i.e. in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestines, abdominal wall or bladder.
Symptoms associated with endometriosis vary and include a combination of:
- chronic pelvic pain
- pain during and/or after intercourse
- painful urination
- fatigue
- depression or anxiety
- abdominal bloating
- nausea
In addition to the above, endometriosis can cause infertility. Infertility occurs due to the likely effects of endometriosis on the pelvic cavity, ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus.
Diagnosing endometriosis is a big problem because it is often discovered even years after the first symptoms appear. The reason? Endometriosis can easily be confused with other conditions that manifest through pelvic pain, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A thorough consultation, carried out by a specialist doctor, along with a series of tests can help you find out exactly how things are. Our advice is that when the first symptoms appear, you should under no circumstances postpone the visit to the doctor.
Strategies for managing pain: Treatment options and pain management
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has made a classification of endometriosis as follows:
- stage 1: minimal;
- step 2: easy;
- stage 3: moderate;
- stage 4: severe.
Treatment for this condition is always recommended by the specialist, depending on the symptoms and the individual patient's medical history. On a medical level, he can prescribe anti-inflammatories that can help relieve pain, or drugs that control the hormones, which means that the pain will decrease.
There is also the option of surgery when endometriosis is diagnosed, which is the most common option to help women conceive. Be careful though! The best decision regarding the treatment for endometriosis is made together with the specialist. Go to the doctor, ask him questions, ask him for advice!
Achieving a state of well-being: Self-care for symptom relief
In addition to any treatment prescribed by a specialist, there are other components with which you can achieve a state of well-being even if you suffer from endometriosis. Relaxation techniques, nutrition, herbal teas (mousetail, chamomile, ginger), topically applied oils (castor oil, propolis) can all relieve your pain.
Also, reducing stress and adjusting your diet so that it is healthy and balanced is part of the self-care process. Meditation or yoga exercises are also ways to relieve your symptoms.
Managing Your Sex Life: How to Manage Pain and Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
The onset of severe pain often affects sex life. The secret to dealing with this problem is openness with your partner and their ability to understand what your needs are. Explain what endometriosis means, what actually happens in your body. Certain sex positions can e.g. be less painful. Learn to achieve joy together by experimenting and discussing openly.
In addition, the hormone treatments prescribed by the specialist can help you both to relieve pain and to maintain a healthy sex life.
Mental health and endometriosis: How to deal with anxiety and depression
When you feel you need mental support at a specialized level, turn to a psychologist to help you clear any emotional blocks or fears you have. The impact that endometriosis has on women's emotional state is great. Special studies show it. Ask for help! Don't let anxiety and depression take over your life. Psychological counseling can help you understand your moods and manage them better. It can also be extremely helpful to share your experiences with others who are in similar situations. There are support groups where women with endometriosis talk openly about their problems.
Anxiety and depression also arise because of the unknown. The more you know about your condition, the better you will be able to manage your emotional states. Get informed, go to the doctor, talk to your partner, tell a close friend what you are going through. Be open, de-stress your life, relax, exercise and eat a healthy diet. You are not alone! Family, friends, all loved ones are with you. Femi.Eko is with you!
Nutrition and endometriosis: Foods that can help relieve symptoms
Yes, diet can help reduce the pain caused by endometriosis. What are you eating? Below you will find a list of foods that you should eat often and one that you should completely eliminate:
Food to include in your diet:
- Those rich in Omega-3: fatty fish, nuts, almonds, flaxseed, chia
- White meat
- Vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, eggplant, avocado, beets, broccoli, carrots, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, cucumbers, squash, endive, spinach, fennel, green beans, white beans, onions, peppers, radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, peas.
- Greens: dill, parsley, tarragon, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme.
- Mushrooms
- Fruits and dried fruits
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy or vegetable products
- Soy and tofu
Foods to avoid and even eliminate from your diet:
- Red meat
- Butter, cream, fatty dairy products
- Excess salt
- Sugar and processed sweet products
- White bread and derivatives
- Meat
- Fried food
Women suffering from endometriosis often also face the indifference of those around them, they do not know how and with whom to talk. Being open about your problem can help you both mentally and reduce the impact on your life. Learning to live with endometriosis, getting the right treatments, being able to take care of yourself so you can achieve wellness and relieve symptoms, but also being able to communicate with those around you about it are all aspects that will keep depression at bay and anxiety states.
