How To Deal With Endometriosis: Yup, It’s More Common Than You Think
You’ve probably landed here because you are one of the MANY women battling through endometriosis. That’s alright, let’s take a deep breath together, you’re going to be okay. It’s a very common gynecological condition affecting almost 190 million women globally. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue lining of a uterus starts growing outside of it and breaks down — leading to bleeding.
But wait, shouldn’t it just discharge from the body as menstrual blood does?
Not quite.
This chronic condition arises because the tissue grows in a place where it doesn’t have any place to leave, leading to swelling, inflammation, and cysts.
The good news; you don’t have to be in excruciating pain forever.
3 Ways To Cope With Endometriosis
While it can get overwhelming and agonizing, women and doctors have found things that help reduce the symptoms. Especially while on your period, during and after sex, or while defecating. Here are 3 things that will help you deal with what you’re going through.
You’re Not Alone
The first step to coping with this chronic condition is to know how common it is. Thousands of women experience endometrial pain that comes in between their daily lives, affecting their wellbeing and mental health.
Of course, there is no alternative to getting guidance from a medical professional. We urge you to get an appointment as soon as possible. However, there are also a few other things that might help you.
Easy-to-access resources include online support groups that help tremendously when you feel like you are all alone.
We promise you; you are not.
Talking to other women who are going through the same condition as you can be immensely comforting. Support groups are also extremely insightful when it comes to understanding different coping methods that have worked for other people.
Lifestyle Changes
Hot water showers and heating pads are quicker ways to relieve your pain, but there are some that help long-term.
Research studies have concluded that increased levels of estrogen may cause the endometrial tissue to grow excessively.
High estrogen levels are linked to eating high amounts of red meat, which contains trans fat — a bad kind of fat found in beef. To combat that, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can help significantly.
Additionally, exercising regularly and consuming omega-3 enriched foods also helps. Fish, nuts, eggs, and soy beverages are options you can include in your diet to help lower the risk of developing endometriosis.
Medical Treatments
While a cure for endometriosis does not yet exist, different treatments help reduce the severity of the condition. Medical treatments consist of drugs and surgery for extreme cases.
Hormonal therapy helps lower the amount of estrogen in your body, which can pause your period. This can lead to less bleeding, which reduces inflammation and cyst formation. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to eliminate as much affected tissue as achievable.
Stage IV of endometriosis is when doctors might perform surgery to remove your ovaries, uterus, and cervix. However, before you start overthinking, please consult your doctor.
Once Again, You Are Going To Be Okay
It can get daunting and exhausting. BUT, the wonderful news is that many women don’t experience the same level of discomfort after making these minor changes and consulting a doctor.
Take another deep breath. Know that, with the right support, it does get better.
If you’re battling endometriosis, let our community know what helped you in the comments below.
