Think back to the first time you heard the term “endometriosis” (which is a painful condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside of the uterus). If you really think hard, there’s a decent chance that it was when you heard a celebrity speak out about their experience with the condition. Receiving an endometriosis diagnosis is notoriously difficult — according to Speak Endo, it frequently takes up to ten years for someone to get diagnosed. There are so many reasons for this (medical gaslighting, anyone?), and lack of awareness is definitely...
How To Cope With Heavy Periods at Work
For some women, their period is the most dreaded time of the month — filled with cramps, migraines, and heavy bleeding that hinders their daily activities. Having a heavy flow can be especially hard when you are at work. You might experience anxiety about potential leaking or maybe even embarrassment that you are not feeling yourself or working up to your typical standard. Don’t worry, though. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We’re here to listen, support, and acknowledge what you’re going through. We’ve also come up with some ways to help you better cope...
One of the most frustrating things to encounter is unexplained menstrual pain, which can also often lead to unexplained infertility. According to Endowhat.com, endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus that is found elsewhere in the body. Endometriosis occurs in at least 7-15% of people assigned female at birth, with some experts believing it could be more like 25%. The reason that these statistics and many others aren’t fully confirmed is that the only way to confirm if someone has endometriosis is through a surgery called laparoscopy. We spoke with Melissa Montes, MD,...
If you've ever experienced period cramps or pelvic pain, you know it's no walk in the park. But what if I told you there's a new player in town, ready to change the game in pelvic pain management? Enter CBD suppositories, a revolutionary approach to managing pain that might just make you rethink your go-to remedies during that time of the month. What's the deal with CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD won't make you feel impaired. Instead, it's all about helping your body find balance...
Pros & Cons of Hysterectomy for Endometriosis
In 2018, actress and writer Lena Dunham penned an essay for Vogue about her journey with endometriosis and hysterectomy at age 31. After a decade of debilitating pain and multiple hospitalizations due to endometriosis, she decided to undergo a hysterectomy. “My uterus is worse than anyone could have imagined. It’s the Chinatown Chanel purse of nightmares, full of both subtle and glaring flaws,” said Dunham of her uterus after the procedure. A hysterectomy is a major medical procedure with a long-term impact on fertility. However, for women with endometriosis, it can also be a lifeline to...
Does Endometriosis Cause Weight Gain?
There is no denying that endometriosis is a painful and frustrating condition affecting around 2 to 10% of American women between ages 25 and 40. Characterized by severe cramps, abnormal menstrual flow, and pain during intercourse, endometriosis can also significantly impact one’s fertility. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body. This can then cause inflammation, scarring, and painful cysts. If that wasn’t aggravating enough, the abnormal tissue buildup can also block the fallopian tube, therefore preventing the egg and sperm from fertilizing, making...
What Causes Endometriosis Flare-Ups? Key Triggers
Endometriosis flare-ups: If you know, you know about the debilitating pain it can cause for at least 7-15% of women worldwide. For some people, their endometriosis gets worse around their monthly period, but there are other more sneaky triggers of flare-ups in endometriosis pain, like certain aspects of your diet. The best way endometriosis warrior Jacqueline Solivan, Director of Partnerships at Rescripted, can describe a flare-up is the equivalent of tightly twisting a balloon animal into a shape — but the balloons are your organs. Having excruciating internal and back pain that takes her out each...
Is Endometriosis a Disability?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found in other places in the body. This abnormal tissue growth is most often found in the pelvic area but has also been found in the bladder, bowels, diaphragm, lungs, kidneys and even the brain. This can cause severe pain, inflammation, organ dysfunction, and even infertility. Endometriosis affects 200 million people worldwide, occurring in 7-15% of women — although some experts think the actual number could be closer to 25%. Despite its commonness and the intense, debilitating pain it can cause, endometriosis is...
Can You See Endometriosis on an Ultrasound?
Periods can be a real pain — literally and figuratively. What’s worse is pain before your period even decides to show up! But did you know that this pre-period pain may be one of the key signs of endometriosis? The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 10% of women, or around 190 million, are affected by endometriosis. However, Dr. Mona Orady, MD, a gynecologic surgeon and endometriosis expert, suggests the condition might be even more prevalent. Although endometriosis is common, figuring out if you have it isn’t as simple. On average, it takes 7 to 9...
If you’ve been struggling to start a family, are pursuing IVF, and have been diagnosed with endometriosis somewhere along the way, you may be left wondering what your best treatment option will be. Oftentimes, simply getting diagnosed with endo itself can be a long and treacherous road — one that leaves too many people feeling unheard, disbelieved, or wrestling with the medical trauma of having nobody to advocate for you but yourself. Once a patient has received an endometriosis diagnosis, it can feel like a breath of fresh air to just finally have an answer to your symptoms...