5 things we should know about endometriosis, but don’t
If social networks We believe, so there are more studies on the baldness of male models than on endometriosis. For something that affects millions of women around the world, endometriosis remains poorly understood, poorly diagnosed and under-chewable. These are not only “bad cramps” or an annoying period. It is a chronic condition, often atrocious which can take years to diagnose, leaving many gas women by their own body (and the medical community). According to the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, between two and 10 in 100 women live with endometriosis, but countless are not detected or rejected.
In recent years, celebrities like Alexa Chung, Sanya Malhotra, Susan Sarandon, Bindi Irwin and Susan Sarandon have taken off the curtain on their own difficulties, helping to advance the conversation. Despite this, endometriosis is still wrapped in disinformation and stigma.
In honor of the month of awareness of endometriosis, Vogue Talked to Christopher Barker, a nutritional adviser for fertility advanced to the curve of women, to discover what we should all know about endometriosis, but often the case.
1. What endometriosis is really
“It is a gynecological disease – and a hormonal inflammatory response – where endometrial type cells appear outside their place of functionality, which is in the uterus,” explains Barker. They can be found anywhere outside the uterus but are generally around it – in the basin, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. “These cells react in the same way to hormones, such as estrogens, which is why they also bleed when you have your period. Hence the pain that often accompanies it. »»
2. What are the symptoms
Symptoms vary from woman to woman, but there are some common signs that may suggest endometriosis. “Painful periods or if they change, becoming more intense or heavier; Take many old or dark blood spots before your period; pain during or after sex; feel sick; fatigue; And experience diarrhea, constipation or blood in your urine or your stool during your period, are all symptoms, “explains Barker. “You can also experience irritable symptoms of colon syndrome and other intestinal problems. Infertility is also another key symptom, but it is generally only when people encounter fertility problems that they end up obtaining a diagnosis. »»
3. He can start at any time during the reproductive phase of a woman
“Women are generally at risk of suffering from endometriosis from their first period to menopause, but unfortunately, we do not know what causes them,” explains Barker. “What is terrifying is how common is – as a woman, you risk more endometriosis than developing something like lung cancer.” Symptoms can reflect and flow, lie down at times and return to others.
4. It is difficult to diagnose
As with many women’s health problems, endometriosis is often confused (by experts) with other diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (SOPK), premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), as symptoms are often similar. An appropriate diagnosis generally takes the form of exploratory surgery, which is invasive and which generally only undergoes when the symptoms are bad. “On average it takes seven and a half years to obtain a diagnosis – especially because many of these painful pain symptoms are often grouped under the umbrella of the health problems of other women,” said Barker.
