It all began when I suffered from pelvic pain. I got my first period at the age of 13. Every time I menstruated, I agonized for days and that made me visit a gynecologist. She prescribed some contraceptive pills and I was told that what I was experiencing was quite a normal thing. Consuming those pills reduced the pain for some amount of time but it became less effective as years passed.

Things became worse, the pain kept increasing and I began feeling anxious as I knew that what I was experiencing wasn't normal. Relentless fatigue, chest and shoulder pain, blood in my urine, and headaches. 

I decided to visit a gastroenterologist and she suggested getting an MRI of my bowel to look for signs of Crohn's disease but instead, we found a solid cyst on my right ovary. I was asked to get an ultrasound done and once the reports arrived, it revealed that the cyst inside me was growing rapidly.

I had to undergo laparoscopic surgery to get my cyst removed. The surgeon explained that it was an endometrioma and it could damage my ovaries, uterus, peritoneum, pouch of Douglas, diaphragm, bowel, and bladder. Luckily, I tolerated the surgery quite well, although a lot of women aren't as lucky.

Terrifying, isn’t it?

10% of women worldwide have endometriosis and that is 176 million worldwide!

In this fast-paced generation, certain disorders are perceived emerging in the young population. These disorders are here to stay and are quite critical once we realize their effects on our human body. Endometriosis is one such condition that is experienced by many women belonging to this young population. It creates endometrial cells that resemble the uterus lining, causing them to grow in atypical places in the body instead of inside the uterus. Since the cause of endometriosis hasn't been discovered much yet, it is believed by some experts that pieces of endometrium travel back through the fallopian tubes and pass out into the pelvic cavity. Tiny pieces of tissue are lodged on the surfaces of the reproductive organs. When you get your period, the tissue bleeds just like the endometrium inside the uterus, and the surrounding tissue might become inflamed. Over time, scar tissue and cysts might form.

Menstrual irregularities, very painful menstrual cramps, painful sex, difficulty in becoming pregnant, abdominal cramps or back pain during menstruation, painful bowel movements are some of the symptoms you might come across that show you have endometriosis. 

It is also possible that some women might not show any symptoms. Keep in mind that there is no such connection between the symptoms and severity or extent of endometriosis.

Do you know that there is a link between endometriosis and mood?

The hormonal imbalance with endometriosis can increase the likelihood that you’ll experience mood swings. The shifting of estrogen levels could trigger mood swings leading to feelings of anger, irritability, and frustration as well. Women with endometriosis are more likely to suffer depression and anxiety which will hinder their quality of life. It’s common to experience digestive problems along with endometriosis.

There are 3 common varieties of Endometriosis:

1. Superficial peritoneal lesion: This is the most common type. You have lesions on your peritoneum, a thin film that lines your pelvic cavity.

2. Endometrioma (ovarian lesion): These dark-coloured, fluid-filled cysts, also called chocolate cysts, form deep in your ovaries. They don’t respond well to treatment and can damage healthy tissue.

3. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis: This type grows under your peritoneum and can involve organs near your uteri, such as your bowels or bladder. About 1% to 5% of women with endometriosis have it.

And the most important thing, what can you do to get your diagnosis done properly for a disorder like endometriosis?

Firstly, you can get an ultrasound done. A standard ultrasound imaging test won't definitively tell your doctor whether you have endometriosis, but it can identify cysts associated with endometriosis (endometriomas).

A pelvic exam can be conducted in which your doctor manually feels (palpates) areas in your pelvis for abnormalities, such as cysts on your reproductive organs or deformities behind your uterus. MRI is one of the most effective ways which will help in the diagnosis process.

Several factors place women at a greater risk of developing endometriosis. The risk factors for endometriosis include:

- Menstruating before you hit puberty, i.e when you start menstruating at an age like 11

- Going through menopause at an older age

- Having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)

- Heavy and prolonged menstrual cycles

- Lower BMI value

- Having one or more relatives with endometriosis

- Uterine abnormalities or medical conditions prevent the normal passage of the menstrual flow out of the body

- Consumption of liquor

- Possessing higher levels of estrogen in the body or getting exposed to estrogen that is produced by the body

Endometriosis is an unrecognized lurking problem every young woman who has painful menstruation should be truly aware of. Again it is curable if it's caught early. Menstrual Health is extremely vital in today's time which is why with every pack of Phoenix Pads, you get a free pH Self-test card included.

If you experience any of these symptoms in the future, visit a gynecologist as early as possible. Health truly is Wealth, prioritize your health and fitness to lead a happy and healthy life! 

Rise Like a Phoenix!