End The Pain - Endometriosis

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and is an opportunity for all women to understand more about the condition, what symptoms to look for, and potential treatment options that can be discussed with their GP.

Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, yet so many are still unaware of the condition and its impact.⁠ Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life. It’s important to remember that Endometriosis is not an infection, not contagious and is not cancer.

Classic Endometriosis symptoms include:

• Painful periods

• Pain during or after sex

• Infertility

• Painful bowel movements

• Fatigue
  

It is important to seek medical advice to clarify the cause of any symptoms as some may have other causes. Endometriosis can also have a significant impact on a person's life in other ways, including chronic pain, depression, intimacy issues and difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments. Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available for endometriosis aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for someone living with the condition.

Make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of Endometriosis, and if you are concerned make an appointment and speak to your doctor, especially if they are having a big impact on your life.