Have you ever heard of Endometriosis?
Do you know you know that it's been estimated that in out of every 100 women in Africa, 40 are suffering from this condition?
And have you ever thought that the severe cramps/pains that you experience can be a symptom of endometriosis?
So why overlook it.... Why wait and cry in pains when there's help around the corner.....
What is endometriosis?
The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the womb (uterus).
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus. It is 'trapped' in the pelvic area
and lower tummy (abdomen) and, rarely, in other areas in the body.
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.
What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Pain before and during periods
Pain with sex
Infertility
Fatigue
Painful urination during periods
Painful bowel movements during periods
Other Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea,constipation, nausea.
In addition, many women with endometriosis suffer from:
Allergies
Chemical sensitivities
Frequent yeast infections
Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by
laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under
anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size,
and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient
make better treatment choices.
Who gets endometriosis?
The exact number of women who develop endometriosis is not known. This is because many women have endometriosis without symptoms, or with mild symptoms, and are never diagnosed.
If symptoms develop they typically begin between the ages of 25-40. Sometimes symptoms begin in the teenage years. Endometriosis can affect any woman. However:- Sometimes it runs in families. Therefore, endometriosis is more common in close blood relatives of affected women.
- Endometriosis is rare in women past the menopause, as to develop endometriosis you need oestrogen, the female hormone. Oestrogen levels fall after the menopause.
- The combined oral contraceptive pill (often called 'the pill') reduces the risk of developing endometriosis. This protective effect may persist for up to a year after stopping 'the pill'.
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