It's believed that 1 in 10 women have endometriosis, an extremely painful condition where endometrial-like tissue is found outside the uterus. When I say "painful," this is a pain that is equated to being worse than breaking a bone or having a heart attack. Yet, it is often disregarded as "just your period." It's more prevalent than breast cancer, yet diagnosis and treatment can be (and usually is) very challenging to find.
I found out today that March is endometriosis awareness month. I also found out that there is a challenge ongoing for people to post about a certain topic each day, to help others learn more about this often isolating/hidden condition. Since I'm late to the game I'm just going to post for today and sum up some of the recommended points.
My story: My pain actually started before puberty. I had digestive issues at age 8 (IBS is often linked with endo). When periods finally came, the pain was immediate. I thought it was just how things went. What I DIDN'T think was normal was my inability to use tampons. My pelvic floor muscles just said, "No WAY!" and the pain was too great. My first pelvic exam at age 16 was a mess of confusion for the doctor as to why she couldn't insert the speculum, and a kind of torture mixed with mortification for me. It took more than a decade of doctor hopping to finally find someone who realized issues of vulvar vestibulitis , vaginismus, and more. Eventually, at age 30ish, I had surgery for cervical bleeding and that was when the endo was finally discovered (surgery is the only way to actually know whether you have endo or not). Sadly, none of my symptoms improved and my search for solutions continues.There is so much more I could say, but I'll leave it at that, for now. I realize today is March 4th, the only day of the year that is a sentence, and an empowering one at that. This is exactly what we endo women do. We grin and bare and push through the incredible challenge life has given us, and that science and medicine hasn't dedicated enough time or care to. YET. The more who are aware and demand better care, the more change will come. Stand strong and don't forget to still find the joy in your life. 💟
