If you've ever felt like you're alone dealing with endometriosis, trust me—I’ve been there. Seven long years passed before I finally got a diagnosis, and the struggle was real. Here are a few things I wish I’d known earlier.
1. Endometriosis Is More Common Than You Think
When I first heard of endometriosis, I thought it was rare—no one seemed to talk about it. But it turns out this “secret club” I never wanted to join has over 190 million members worldwide (about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age). I wasn’t as alone as I thought.
(Not so) fun fact: It takes an average of 7-10 years to get properly diagnosed with endometriosis. Shocking, right? It’s time we break the silence and start talking about it.
2. It’s Not Just About Period Pain
Here’s the kicker: endometriosis doesn’t only hit during your period. For me, the pain creeps in during ovulation and sticks around before my cycle. No one told me this, so I spent years confused about why I felt random pain. Knowing earlier could’ve helped me work with my body, not against it.
3. Heavy Bleeding Isn't Normal
Bleeding through a super tampon in an hour? I thought that was just my normal. But it’s not—heavy bleeding can signal underlying conditions like endometriosis. If this sounds familiar, don’t wait—talk to your doctor.
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects about 1 in 4 women(3), yet it’s often dismissed. We need to recognise it as more than just a “woman thing.”
4. Period Pain Shouldn't Disrupt Your Life
At 14, I thought everyone had intense period pain. Spoiler alert: they don’t. If your periods are wrecking your daily routine, it’s time to see a professional.
Severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) affects over 50% of women at some point in their lives. It’s not something we should just accept—pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s up.
5. Endometriosis Has Broad Symptoms
Endometriosis comes with a long list of symptoms—way longer than I imagined. Cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and painful sex are the well-known ones, but it can also cause digestive issues, fatigue, and fertility problems. Another surprising fact: the severity of your symptoms doesn’t always match the extent of your endometriosis.
Endometriosis can cause inflammation and adhesions, affecting nearby organs. No two people experience it the same way.
6. It Affects More Than Just Your Uterus
This one blew my mind—endometriosis can affect more than just your uterus. It impacts your bowels, bladder, and other organs. I was misdiagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) for years before anyone connected the dots. If you notice gut issues during your periods, don’t brush it off—it could be endo.
Did you know endo can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, or bloating? It’s a sneak attack on your digestive system that many doctors miss at first.
In a nutshell, my journey with endometriosis has been a wild ride, but if sharing my story helps even one person, it’s worth it. Let’s break the silence, connect with each other, and make sure no one faces this alone.
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https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
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