Sex, Symptoms and Surgery: Living with Endometriosis

Understanding Endometriosis

Before understanding endometriosis, you must know how the menstrual cycle works. Usually, the lining of the womb thickens each month to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the lining breaks down and is expelled from the body.

With endometriosis, tissue that resembles the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. It can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the lining of the pelvis, the bowel, or the bladder. This tissue gets trapped. It then bleeds, causing irritation and swelling. Over time, this can lead to adhesions, which are areas of scar tissue that cause organs to stick together. This process is often painful and can lead to fertility problems for some women.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Symptoms can vary a lot from person to person. Some women might not even know they have endometriosis until they try to get pregnant. However, for many, pain is the primary warning sign. Common symptoms include:

• Painful Periods – Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before your period and extend several days into it. You may also have lower back and stomach pain.
• Pain During or After Sex – This is a prevalent symptom of endometriosis and can deeply affect relationships.
• Pain With Bowel Movements or Urination – You’re most likely to experience this during your menstrual period.
• Excessive Bleeding – You may have heavy periods occasionally or bleeding between periods.
• Infertility – Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking infertility treatment.
• Fatigue – Feeling constantly tired is a frequent complaint.
• Digestive Issues – You may experience diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

How Endometriosis Affects Daily Life

The physical symptoms of endometriosis often spill over into daily life, affecting mental health, work, and relationships.

Work and Social Life

Managing endometriosis pain can be exhausting. Chronic fatigue and severe cramping can lead to missed days at work or school. Additionally, social plans might get cancelled at the last minute due to a sudden flare-up. This unpredictability can lead to feelings of isolation or guilt.

Endometriosis Impact on Relationships

Intimacy can become a source of anxiety rather than connection. Deep pain during sex is a common symptom. This happens because the endometriosis tissue can stretch or pull during intercourse. This physical pain can lead to a fear of intimacy, causing a strain between partners. It’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with your partner about what feels okay and what hurts.

Mental Health

Dealing with chronic pain takes a toll on your mental well-being. Studies show that women with endometriosis are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Many don’t receive a diagnosis for years, and feeling unheard by medical professionals can add to this emotional burden.

Sussex Premier Health’s Endometriosis Treatment Options

While there’s currently no cure for endometriosis, there are effective ways to manage the symptoms. Sussex Premier Health can work with you to create a plan that fits your life and goals, whether they include reducing pain or improving fertility. Your treatment plan might start with:

• Pain Medication – Over-the-counter relievers can help with managing endometriosis pain.
• Hormone Therapy – Supplemental hormones are sometimes effective in reducing or eliminating the pain of endometriosis. The rise and fall of hormones during the menstrual cycle causes endometrial implants to thicken, break down, and bleed. Hormone medication may slow this growth and prevent new implants of endometrial tissue.
• Contraceptives – Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings help control the hormones responsible for the buildup of endometrial tissue each month.

Potential Surgical Interventions

If hormone therapy isn’t working – or if you’re trying to get pregnant – surgery might be the next step.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is the most common surgery used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. It’s a keyhole surgery where the surgeon makes a tiny cut near your navel and inserts a slender viewing instrument. They can remove the endometriosis tissue or burn it away. Endometriosis surgery recovery after a laparoscopy is usually quicker than after open surgery. Most patients go home the same day. You may feel tired or experience some discomfort for a few days, but most people can return to their normal routine within one to two weeks.

Hysterectomy

In severe cases, surgery to remove the womb and sometimes the ovaries might be recommended. This is usually considered a last resort, particularly for women who are still in their reproductive years. Our surgeons are highly skilled in minimally invasive techniques, aiming to provide you with the best possible outcome and the shortest recovery time.

Rely on Us for Endometriosis Lifestyle Support

Medical treatment is only one part of the puzzle. Endometriosis lifestyle support is also key to feeling better. Our team can empower you with the knowledge to manage your condition and reduce pain and inflammation. We may suggest:

• Dietary Changes – Some women find relief by reducing their intake of red meat, gluten, or dairy, which can be inflammatory.
• Exercise – Gentle exercise like yoga or swimming can help release endorphins and reduce stress.
• Stress Management – Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you cope with the emotional aspects of chronic pain.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy – This can be incredibly helpful for managing pain during sex and improving bladder or bowel function.