What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those in the endometrium, the layer of tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus, grows outside of it. Most often this is on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue around the uterus and ovaries.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are:

• Severe pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period.
• Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
• Pain during or after sex.
• Pain when peeing or pooing during your period feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your urine, during your period.
• Fertility. You can also have difficulty getting pregnant and this is usually when the condition can be diagnosed.

My Endometriosis Story

Following the birth of my eldest son in my mid twenties ,  I developed chronic back pain and severe pain during intercourse. I was told during pregnancy that I had a Bicornuate womb, but there was no connection to my symptoms form this. After numerous visits to my GP and referrals to a Gynaecologist I was eventually diagnosed with Endometriosis. The condition took over two years to be diagnosed, primarily due to the back pain not being recognised as a symptom back in the 90’s.

Following the diagnosis , I had two laparoscopies and it was discovered that my adhesions were greatly severe and predominantly in the bowel area. The pain was horrific and there was concern for complications with any future pregnancies. Adhesions can make conception difficult; I had already suffered two miscarriages, and a combination of my bicornuate womb, meant I had further fertility problems. It was looking inevitable that I was only destined for one child.

Yet, my little miracle came along 13 years after my 1st son. During this pregnancy my simpson’s seemed to subside. The 9 months with no periods shrunk the adhesions.

Many years later I was still finding the pain from endometriosis was a huge problem. I just found it so unbearable I was consuming prescription pain-killers like smarties. I constantly took time off work and found myself unable to socialise like I once had. Eventually, my gynaecologist suggested the Mirena Coil and Hallelujah, this seemed to settle my periods and eased the pain. I would suggest to any women suffering that pain-killers are not the answer and will never help the condition; keep visiting your doctor for referrals until a solution is found for you!

I had the Mirena coil for over 5 years and my condition settled once more. Thankfully I have not had any symptoms prior to the removal of the coil and the hormonal effects of the coil seemed to be fab for my body; I felt marvellous.  

In the past few years my final goodbyes were said to endometriosis and then my hello’s with menopause started.

www.mirena-us.com/about-mirena/
www.nhs.uk/conditions/laparoscopy/