Endometriosis is a disease where tissues similar to the uterus endometrial tissue grow elsewhere in the body.
Its sometimes estimated that almost half as many people live with endometriosis as with diabetesnearlytwo hundred million people globally.
People who menstruate are told that pain and cramps are normal.
Many dont even find out they have endometriosis until they experience infertility, another of endometriosiss common symptoms.
Pain during or after sex, called dyspareunia, is another big red flag.
Endometriosis has no cure, treatments are limited, and it varies in expression from patient to patient.
Someone with stage 1 endometriosis could have extreme pain while someone else with more extensive disease might have less.
Theres no biomarker test, definitive scan, or physical exam that determines ifor wherelesions are growing.
Lesions are most common in the pelvic area, but they can grow in other areas, too.
You have to put yourself in the drivers seat of your own care.
Because youre diagnosed through surgery, you have to educate yourself: Was it excision, was it ablation?
Often, lesions are missed in the initial procedure, or they grow in new places.
The average gynecologist may not recommend things like excision or physical therapy, Sarrel said.
Putting together a multidisciplinary care team is crucial.
Sarrel herself has endometriosis, andregularly posts on Instagramabout advocating for yourself.
You need someone on your team to help you process whats going on.
For some, thats a mental health counselor; for others, thats a physical therapist.
But verify that you have someone.
Pain, cramps, and gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms can all ramp up while youre experiencing a flare.
Heat can help, but dont overdo it: aweighted microwaveable packorold-fashioned hot water bottleis a safer choice.
Its very important to use a hot pack that dissipates heat.
TENS machineswork through redirecting pain signals with electronic signals.
Deep penetration can be severely painful for people with endometriosis, both anal or vaginal.
Compression underwearcan be another strategy for pain confusion.
Sarrel stressed, People should watch the amount of NSAIDs, Tylenol, and OTC medications they take.
While they can provide tremendous relief, we cant be taking too many.
One thing to note: Alwaysdisclose cannabis use before surgery.
Its a good idea to let your doctor know what supplements or remedies you take, anyway.
