Endometriosis is a physical experience that has life and relational impact. Endometriosis is an often-painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of a women’s uterus, the endometrium, grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs.
With endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would, it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. The effects of endometriosis can cause pain, sometimes severe, especially during menstrual periods. Fertility problems also may develop. In addition, complications of endometriosis may include: Ovarian cysts, infertility, inflammation, ovarian cancer. Bladder and intestinal complications. Adhesion and scar tissue development.
Here is a client’s perspective of the impact of endometriosis has had on her:
Having pain that is indescribable is what it's like having endometriosis. I recently found out through a medical procedure that I had stage 3/4 endometriosis, after a long emotional and physical painful several years.
I remember back to childhood where I had what I thought was “painful periods”, not knowing I was experiencing signs of endometriosis. It was not until I was trying to conceive that I realized there was something wrong. Having had all positive annual checkups, and even visiting a fertility specialist, I kept feeling pains that no one was able to explain. I was even told to take birth control (birth control while planning for a family), which was the last thing I wanted to do to relieve the pain. Endometriosis started to affect my marriage, where my husband would rather me take the birth control, preventing us from having a wanted child, than to be in pain monthly.
I thank God that I continued to speak up for myself and what I was feeling to be able to be diagnosed, so that I can begin the healing process. It has not been an easy road, but I am hopeful for the future.
To anyone with endometriosis, don't give up on yourself, ask as many questions as you need, seek a 2nd, 3rd and a 4th opinion if that's what's needed. Remember you are not alone, no matter how hard it may seem. I am forever thankful for having Todd as my therapist to help me through life's challenges. He has honestly shown me sincere care and concern, and I appreciate and respect his guidance.
The impact of physical and the emotional distress associated to it is real. Don’t suffer in silence. Receive the help you desire. For more information contact Inner Peace Counseling Center, (704) 937-2286 or info@innerpeacecounselingcenter.com.
