KITTEN TALK 14: Endometriosis Month
Hi Kittens ! I hope the month of March has been serving you well.
If you weren't already aware, March is Endometriosis Awareness Month!
I wanted to research and share information about endometriosis and extend my love to those who deal with this condition.
What is Endometriosis ?
Endometriosis is a inflammatory condition where the tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside the uterus. The tissue can grow on and affect the ovaries, bladder, cervix, intestines , vagina, vulva and other places. It affects girls and woman most commonly in the reproductive years of 25-40, but can happen when you're even younger.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Endometriosis can include: extremely painful menstrual cramps, pain during and/or after sex, heavy menstrual flow, nausea, fatigue, abdominal bloating and even anxiety and depression. In severe cases, can affect your ability to tend to lifes' events. Unfortunately, can also cause infertility/ fertility issues.
Treatment:
There is no currently no cure for endometriosis and no solid explanation as to what causes it. There are some risk factors that have been discovered such as family history of the condition, early menstruation( before age 11) or irregular periods. Endometriosis is treated by hormone therapy such as oral contraceptives and also taking pain medication. Surgeries are another option, especially for those who are trying to conceive. A hysterectomy is where the uterus is removed out of your body, and the ovaries can be an option too. But be aware this will create early menopause : hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, mood changes, bone loss etc. These are all options to be discussed in detail with a healthcare provider.
Unfortunately we have cases around the world where women and girls deal with this condition and can't afford or have access to treatment options. The condition creates significant impacts on daily life, relationships and health. More funding and awareness has to be put in to help those with this condition.
I hope this post helped you learn more about endometriosis. I hope that as medicine advances we're able to help more and more women and girls and somehow prevent this condition. For those who deal with this everyday: my heart goes out to you.
I hope you all have a wonderful day/night Kittens 💖
Resources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis