Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women/people who menstruate and is one of the more commonly seen gynaecological conditions. 

• What is it? Cells similar to uterine lining tissue spread outside the uterus to other parts of the body. It triggers a chronic inflammatory reaction resulting in pain, chronic fatigue, and adhesions (scar tissue).

• Symptoms: 

• Painful periods, 

• Painful cramps,

• Fatigue, 

• Heavy menstruation,

• Severe pelvic pain, 

• Painful excretion, urination or sex,

• Bloating,

• Other cyclical symptoms  

Note: You can also get other ‘non-typical’ or less obvious symptoms such as:

• Unexplained Infertility

• Diaphragmatic endometriosis (pain when you breath, pain in your chest, especially cyclical in nature)

• Chocolate cysts (on ovary)

• Ovulation pain (can be due to ovaries being adhered or fallopian tubes being blocked)

Additional Reading & Sources:

• Endometriosis.ie

• Women’s Health.gov

• NHS - Endometriosis

• Endometriosis Summit

Accounts to follow:

• Endometriosis Surgeon

• Endometriosis Summit

• Extra Pelvic Not Rare

• Endo Black