What is Endometriosis you ask.....".Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S., 1 million in Canada, and millions more worldwide. It occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus -- usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.
This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation -- and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems." - http://www.endometriosisassn.org/
Needless to say, it can be an extremely painful and debilitating disease. This is an issue that affects millions of women everyday but it is seldom talked about all because it has to do with a woman's reproductive organs. Not only is this disease the number one cause for infertility in females but it can be so severe that it prevents a woman from living a normal life. The pain can be so bad that work is missed or going to a family event isn't even an option.
I want to tell you a story....my story....I was 16 and missing school during my period because it made me sick to me stomach because the pain was so bad. Besides the pain I had classic Endo symptoms. I when to a doctor who told me that it was "normal" and dismissed my pain as "typical female problems". He put me on the pill to help "even me out." Fast forward three years later, I am switching birth control and I tell three different OB/GYNs about my past issues. All of them tell me they are normal. Two years later, I am happily married and ready to start a family. Months and months go by and no pregnancy. Eventually those months turn into a year and a half. I again find myself sitting in a doctor's office where I am told again that my symptoms are normal and there is no way they affect my fertility. A year later, I am diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" and still not pregnant. Finally, I find a doctor who thinks differently. A surgery is scheduled and the diagnosis of Endometriosis is suggested. After, eight years of doctor appointments and blood tests the diagnosis of Endometriosis is confirmed.
This is my story. And it is not an abnormal story. Most women see several doctor's before they receive a diagnosis. And most of those doctors dismiss their pain. I have been told that it is normal and to basically suck it up because every girl goes through this. But guess what? Not every girl goes through this.
So why am I even writing this post? March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Also, Endo is a chronic disease, meaning it doesn't go away. To be honest, I didn't know much about it until I was diagnosed. And I think it is a safe bet to say that there are a lot of people out there who didn't even know something like this existed. If you are reading this, then hopefully you now know what it is. It is quite possible that you will know someone who is has it, a friend, sister, spouse, mother, or aunt. Don't dismiss it. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there and just because I try hard to hide my pain doesn't mean that it isn't there either. This is a very real disease. Want more info? Here is a good place to get started...Women's Health, Endometriosis.
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