Endo Warriors unite
My sole purpose as a women who was diagnosed with Endometriosis. I made a vow to give a voice to the voiceless.
Myth
A hysterectomy will cure endometriosis.
What Is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic tissues, but sometimes in other areas of the body. This misplaced tissue responds to the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain, as the tissue cannot exit the body. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, heavy and painful periods, and infertility, though symptoms vary widely.
Where can endometriosis be found?
Generally, endometriosis is found in the pelvic cavity. It can attach to any female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterosacral ligaments, or peritoneum. It can also affect the bowel, bladder, intestines, appendix, rectum, or leg nerves or settle into spaces between the bladder, rectum, uterus, or vagina. In rare cases, endometriosis can spread outside the pelvic region into the kidneys, lungs, diaphragm, or brain.
Fact
There is no cure for endometriosis, and many women undergoing a hysterectomy still experience pain.
What are common misdiagnoses for endometriosis?
Medical professionals often misdiagnose women who have endometriosis for two reasons: they know little about endometriosis because of the lack of focused education in medical schools, and endometriosis symptoms can be similar to those of more common diseases or conditions. Some misdiagnoses women receive are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), appendicitis, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, diverticulitis, ovarian cysts, and sexually transmitted diseases. Remarkably, many women are also told that the pain they feel is mental—something in their mind that doesn’t exist physically. Rather than treating their physical symptoms, physicians sometimes refer them to a mental therapist.