March 27, 2023 0 comments

What is endometriosis?

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Before starting my journey at Peau-Ethique, I had no idea what endometriosis truly was. Like many, I had briefly heard about it in the media, but never really tried to understand what this disease was. It was only last year, when I met Ludivine (co-founder of Peau-Ethique), who suffers from it, that I discovered the intricacies of this complex disease that affects nearly one in ten women. I also learned more with the help of the Endomind association, to whom we donate one euro from each menstrual period panty we sell to support research. For Endometriosis Awareness Month, I thought it was important to raise awareness of this disease among people who, like me before, have no idea what "being a woman with endometriosis" truly means. We have also written an Ebook on this topic, available for free download. You will find tips, recipes, yoga, and much more!

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A brief summary of what endometriosis is

Endometriosis was discovered in 1860. Many years have passed since, yet it remains a complex disease whose causes are still poorly understood.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects women of childbearing age. It is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus. It is mainly found on pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, and bladder.

The endometrial tissue that grows outside the uterus reacts in the same way it would inside the uterus, breaking down and bleeding each month during menstruation. However, unlike the normal uterine lining, which can be expelled from the body during menstruation, blood from endometriosis cannot be easily expelled and accumulates in the abdominal cavity.

This can lead to inflammation, abdominal and pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, painful periods, and fertility problems. Some women may also experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bowel problems.

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How to know if you have it: symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis are very varied and can differ from one woman to another. Some will suffer greatly, while others will experience very few symptoms, or even be asymptomatic. However, several symptoms are common in women affected by it, such as:

- Dysmenorrhea: pain related to periods (lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, etc.)

- Dyspareunia: pain related to sexual intercourse (more or less deep pain)

- Dysuria: urinary pain (problems with urination, recurrent infections, etc.)

- Dyschezia and other intestinal disorders (pain when passing stool, alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating, swelling, etc.)

- Chronic pelvic pain (ovarian pain, uterine contractions, etc.)

- Asthenia = chronic fatigue (feeling of exhaustion, difficulty standing/sitting, etc.)

- Back and shoulder pain (lower back pain, diaphragm compression, etc.)

- Infertility (ovarian insufficiency, atrophied fallopian tubes, implantation problems, etc.)

To diagnose endometriosis, a doctor may perform a gynecological exam and imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure for endometriosis. However, there are several treatment options to relieve the symptoms of the disease. These treatment options may include medication to relieve pain and inflammation, hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle, surgery to remove endometrial tissue, and, in some cases, more extensive surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries.

What is the impact on daily life?

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on the lives of women affected by the disease. This includes their fertility, mental health, and overall quality of life. It is important for women who suspect they have endometriosis to consult their doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It is also important to raise public awareness of this often misunderstood disease. This will lead to better care for women with endometriosis.

We hope this article has helped you learn a little more about endometriosis. If you also wish to support research for this disease, you can take a look at our organic cotton menstrual period panty, or directly make a donation on the Endomind website.