Red flag warning signs of worrying disease that can take 9 years to diagnose
Everybody's symptoms for illnesses are different, and this Endometriosis Awareness Week, people are being warned of little-known symptoms that they may not think are relevant - but they could be.
According to the NHS, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The disease affects one in 10 women, and endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK.
In a study conducted by the charity Endometriosis UK, they found waiting times for a diagnosis have significantly increased in the last four years. In England and Scotland, the average time before diagnosis stands at eight years and 10 months - almost nine years. In Northern Ireland, it is now nine years and five months and nine years 11 months in Wales.
Commenting on the findings, Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, said: "Taking almost nine years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis is unacceptable. Our finding that it now takes even longer to get a diagnosis of endometriosis must be a wake-up call to decision-makers to stop minimising or ignoring the significant impact endometriosis can have on both physical and mental health."
Dr Jamie Winn PharmD, from Universal Drugstore, provided information on endometriosis symptoms, what causes them, and how they can be relieved, reports Wales Online.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Heavy bleeding
If you're experiencing heavy bleeding on your period, it could be endometriosis. Managing this symptom may involve hormonal birth control methods (such as the pill, patch, or hormonal IUD), tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding, or in severe cases, surgical interventions like endometrial ablation.
Chronic pelvic pain
Pelvic pain may present as severe menstrual cramps, but it could also be pain during intercourse, or a constant discomfort you feel. To relieve the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) and use a hot water bottle or heating pad to help ease the discomfort. For a longer-term fix, your doctor may look at hormonal treatments.
Uncomfortable bowel movements or urination
Endometriosis lesions can affect the bowel and bladder, leading to pain while going to the bathroom. Increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and using stool softeners can help manage bowel symptoms. You could also avoid caffeine, and bladder irritants, and practice pelvic floor exercises. It's also important to stay hydrated.
Intense period pain
In addition to heavy bleeding, endometriosis can cause intense pain during menstruation, which is less than ideal. Managing painful periods may involve using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, hormonal birth control methods, and dietary changes to reduce inflammation such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake. Light yoga stretches can also help.
Stabbing pains
Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle when the egg is released, and some women with endometriosis experience sharp or stabbing pain during this time. To help relieve pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, hormonal contraceptives to suppress ovulation, and applying heat to the pelvic area can help alleviate this symptom.
Fatigue
If you're feeling sleepy, it could be due to endometriosis. Chronic pain and hormonal imbalances associated with endometriosis can use a lot of your body's energy, leading to fatigue. Managing fatigue involves prioritising rest, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, engaging in gentle exercise, and ensuring proper nutrition with a balanced diet.
Lower backache
Endometrial tissue in the pelvic area can irritate surrounding nerves, leading to a painful lower back. Managing lower back pain long-term involves maintaining good posture, so you might want to invest in ergonomic furniture such as an office chair to support your back during the working day. You could try some gentle stretching exercises to relieve the pain, and seek a physio or chiropractor if you need to.
Digestive issues
If you feel bloated, it could be endometriosis as it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or nausea, particularly around the time of your period. Small modifications to your diet may help, such as increasing fibre intake, avoiding any trigger foods, and maintaining hydration. Stress management techniques can also help alleviate your digestive symptoms.
Difficulty exercising
Women with endometriosis can experience increased pelvic pain or discomfort during or after exercise, and this can occur due to inflammation, irritation to areas of the pelvis with endometrial tissue, or muscle tension in the pelvic floor. Of course, it's important to keep active though, so try some low-impact activities that minimise strain on the pelvic area. These include swimming, cycling, and walking. Make sure you warm up properly before you exercise, and maintain good posture throughout to ensure you're not adding any unnecessary strain.
Pain during or after sex
Endometriosis can cause pain during or after sex, which can range from mild to severe. This may flare up at different points of the month so you find it less painful the week after ovulation. Certain positions can also put less pressure on the area of the pelvis that contains endometrial tissue, so communicating with your partner is key to making your sex life better, and more comfortable.
Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says report
Jamie recommends taking note of any symptoms you experience to share with your GP. "Remember, every woman's experience with endometriosis is unique, so symptoms can massively differ between individuals", he said. He continued: "Many women with endometriosis symptoms go a long time without getting a diagnosis for the illness, which can massively impact their quality of life and mental health", stressing the importance of speaking to your GP or seeking counselling if you need to.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
