Endometriosis (Endo) condition is where tissuse/cells similar to the lining of the womb grow in other places and this is not limited to a specific part of the body.

Areas include:

Vagina, The ovaries

Cervix

Spleen

Uteru

Fallopian tubes

Bladder

Thoracic

Bowel

Uterosacra ligaments

Kidneys

Rectovanginal septum

Appendix

Small and large intestine

Liver and more.

It can take 7.5 years to diagnose and 1 in 10 women have it. This is the stats that we have in the UK, but we understand that Endometriosis can affect transgender and non-binary people, and this number may be higher.

It affects all race and ethnicities, and there are stats that show how different races are treated by the medical system. 10% of women world wide have Endo- thats 176 million worldwide. It can your love life and the ability to deliver at work and to stick to social commitments. The cause of this chronic invisible and debilitating condition is unknown and there is no cure.

It can also cause infertility, the actual percentage and say 30-50% of women with Endo are infertile.

The most common indicators for Endometriosis is painful sex which can involve bleeding during and after intercourse. Painful periods where the pain is more than the 'normal' cramping pain when menstruating.

The complications Endo can cause is that the tissue can become irritated, develop scar tissue, adhesions, fibrous tissue plus pelvic tissues can make organs to stick to each other, and ovarian cysts. It's also the inflammatory repose from your body that the cells are there.

Speak to relatives as they say there may be genetic factors and there is data that says you are 7 times more likely to develop Endo. These are some symptoms that Endometriosis suffers have said they have experienced:

Abdomen pain

Bloating/Flares

Lower back

Excessivebleeding

Severe period pain

clotting

Pain passing stool

Pain during and after sex

Brain fog

Allergies

Low progesterone and high estrogen levels- estrogen dominance - a type of estrogen called estradiol which can cause inflammation

Fatigue

Headaches

Insomnia

Breast pain

Anxiety

Nausea

Mood swings

Shortness of breath/tight chest

Pain in your legs

Treatments now and for life can include:

Strong painkillers like morphine

Hormone medicines-HRT, chemical menopause, the pill

Laparoscopy surgery to remove the Endo tissue

Some may need a stoma bag

Hysterectomy

There are alternative like-pelvic floor, physiotherapy, mental health intervention, acupuncture, massage and more

Look into your nutrition. What tiggers flares, bloating, hormones imbalance, abdominal pains, constipation, fatigue, mood swings and more.

Remember you can suffer from more than one type of Endometriosis. Keep a journal of what you are experiencing, track periods, your pains, your emotions, medication you are taking, calls and appointments you have and even video record. Note down who you have spoke to and what you was told. Inform a loved  one of your journey.

Helpful sites:

hhtps://www.bsge.org.uk/endometriosis-centres/

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73