Endometriosis

College of DuPage Nursing Student wrote for Healthy Lombard that Endometriosis is a disorder that causes the lining of the uterus called endometrium to grow in other places such as the ovaries, tissue lining the uterus, or on your bowels. Endometriosis can begin in the teen years and, in some cases, even before a girl develops menses. The endometrium breaks down each month just as it does in the uterus during a menstrual cycle; however, during endometriosis, because it is implanted on organs, it can become scar tissue since it has no way of leaving the body. The scar tissue may eventually cause the organs to adhere together which is painful. Endometriosis that involves the ovaries may result in the cysts that develop, called endometriomas (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

Managing day-to-day life:

There are a few ways to help manage the pain from endometriosis. NSAIDs such as, Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen) in addition to rest. Hormonal contraceptives provide relief in some women and potentially shrink the growths, which may prevent the menstrual cycle or limit it to occurring once every three months or thereabouts. A laparoscopy may be indicated to remove the growths and will also reduce the pain. A more radical solution is a hysterectomy and oophorectomy (Mayo Clinic, 2019). The outcomes of one study (REF) demonstrated that those who struggle with endometriosis might experience fatigue and other aspects of living with endometriosis. Endometriosis can cause severe cramping pain, which may contribute to fatigue and impact many aspects of life because simple daily living activities become difficult due to pain. Moreover, doing things that are enjoyable and spending time with friends and family may even be too painful. Furthermore, endometriosis may even cause fertility struggles, which can strain relationships (DiBenedetti, Soliman, Gupta, 2020). Non-pharmacological ways to help with endometriosis pain include exercise; however, some exercises are better than others, such as swimming instead of running since it is a low-impact activity and running is hard on your lower back and pelvis. (Wiginton, 2020)

Receiving a diagnosis:

Laparoscopy is useful to diagnose endometriosis since it is necessary to visualize the endometriosis. Before a laparoscopy is performed, the doctors will assess the quality of pain and when it occurs. A pelvic exam, ultrasound, and MRIs are also indicated to obtain more specific information about the extent of the endometriosis. During the laparoscopy, the surgeon can remove the implants, which will reduce the pain (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Younger women may be treated by prescribing a hormonal contraceptive.

Advocating for yourself:

It is essential to be familiar with endometriosis. Adolescent girls can be struggling with this disorder and not know what is causing their symptoms. Whether a teacher, family member, or even a physician, it is important to take this diagnosis seriously when an individual says they are in pain. Young people need to take their symptoms seriously, especially since they know their bodies best.

Conclusion:

When young people are being taught sex education, endometriosis should be included and discussed improving awareness of this disease. Knowing the cause of pain empowers one to seek proper treatment and obtain a solution, and an early diagnosis can prevent infertility in addition to relieving pain. For additional support, an advocacy or support group such as, https://endometriosisassn.org may also be beneficial when dealing with endometriosis.

References

DiBenedetti, D., Soliman, A.M., Gupta, C. et al. Patients’ perspectives on endometriosis-related fatigue: qualitative interviews. J Patient Rep Outcomes 4, 33 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41687-020-00200-1

Endometriosis. (2019, October 16). Retrieved October 30, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

Endometriosis. (2019, October 16). Retrieved October 30, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354661

Wiginton, K. (2020, June 3). The Good and Bad of Exercise For My Endo. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://endometriosis.net/living/best-worst-exercise/