WHAT THE F*CK IS ENDO?
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ABSOLUTELY SH*T ILLNESS
Endometriosis is where cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body. This can cause severe pain, as well as many other symptoms.
During a typical menstrual cycle, the body sheds the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and it is discharged through the vagina which can cause discomfort. Bodies of those with endo try to do the same thing with both the endometrium and the endometriosis, but the endometriosis cannot exit through the vagina, so the pain continues indefinitely.
SYMPTOMS
During your period:
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Severe period pain, that stops you from doing your normal activities
Heavy periods, where you need to change your pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
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At literally anytime:
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Pain in your lower tummy and back (pelvic area)
Pain when going to the toilet
Pain during or after sex
Extreme tiredness/fatigue
Pain or bleeding in other areas, such as in the chest, which may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood
Difficulty getting pregnant
Low mood or anxiety
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Please note, this list only contains symptoms that have been proven to link to endo. However, there are a lot more symptoms that are suspected to be caused by endo too.
GETTING A DIAGNOSIS
Getting a diagnosis for endometriosis is notoriously difficult. This is because many doctors and gynecologists dismiss women and downplay their symptoms, generally passing them off as regular period or menstrual symptoms.
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It averages almost 9 years to get a diagnosis from first seeing a doctor to getting diagnosed
- Endometriosis UK
Once you get a diagnosis, more options become available for treatment. However, many women find that the current treatment and advised lifestyle changes for endometriosis don't help them.
OFFICIAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
(NHS, 2025)
For more information on these treatments, visit Endometriosis UK
1 / Painkillers
Anti-inflammatory, paracetamol, opioids
2 / Hormones
The combined/mini pill, implant, injections, Mirena Coil
3 / Surgery
Removal of endometriosis and ovarian cysts, full hysterectomy, removal of parts of other affected organs/tissue