Endo Awareness Month
March is the month for raising Endometriosis awareness. Endometriosis (endo) is a condition we, as females, are born with but generally symptoms do not present until we commence puberty. In New Zealand, and worldwide, this prevalence is higher than you think: 1 in 10 females. It is a chronic inflammatory condition with cells similar to the endometrium, which is the lining inside the uterus, but these cells are found outside of the uterus. It is a complex medical condition and research has found females who have a family history of autoimmune conditions with or without allergies, tend to be affected.
Endo presents with adhesions, pain and inflammation; of which at the time of a menstrual bleed exacerbates symptoms since Endo has no escape as its external to the uterus (as it is outside of the uterine lining that normally the body sheds during menstruation) triggering a buildup of scarring/adhesions. Pain and symptoms from Endo can affect many areas of the body. Most commonly: lower back, abdomen, pelvic floor, ovaries, bladder, bowels, appendix, diaphragm (breathing) but this list is not exclusive. There is a strong link with Endo and musculoskeletal issues, and bladder pain syndrome. Due to the complexity of both Endo and bladder pain syndrome, they can unfortunately be misdiagnosed.
The symptoms are predominantly invisible; therefore, it is generally seen as a silent condition to the onlooker. There are four stages and four classifications of endo, of which both do not directly correlate to the pain and symptoms experienced by each individual. Symptoms vary from person to person, and they do not only affect their quality of life but also impact their mental health, occupation and relationships too. It is viewed as one of the top 20 painful conditions in the world (NHS, UK).
This condition can present with pain not only at the time of a female’s menstrual cycle, albeit it is the menstrual cycle which results in the growth of endo tissue; but sporadically or constantly throughout their day, every day. Whether it is with breathing, having a bowel motion, frequently attending the bathroom to empty their bladder (sometimes, despite just having been), gut problems and/or unfortunately resulting in painful sex. Most of these symptoms can be addressed with the help of a health professional like a pelvic health physiotherapist, which does not always mean surgical intervention. However, for a confirmed diagnosis of endo, a particular surgical procedure called a laparoscopy has to be completed. But there are steps that can be taken to reduced the number of surgeries where possible.
There is no cure, no prevention and no determined cause for the development of Endo. Given the complexity and chronicity, each individual will present differently; thus directly affecting their quality of life. There are numerous treatments, strategies and modalities which Physiotherapists (with the additional training) can assist you in the management of your endo. We are unique individuals who deserve a unique treatment plan to address our needs and achieve a better quality of life that is meaningful for each of us.
If you have been diagnosed with Endometriosis or know of someone who has, and may be suffering in silence, please contact our clinic to see our experienced physio’s to commence this pathway to you reigniting yourself again. Or maybe you are unsure of your symptoms, again please seek medical guidance whether from a GP and/or a pelvic health Physio. Endometriosis is debilitating but you can help break the cycle by seeking for medical help.
We look forward to hearing from you………there is always something that gets in the way of life. Take the first step and book an appointment at our clinic. Put yourself first, there is only one of you so take care of the “house you live in”.
You will be taking the first step of self-care & better management for this chronic condition.