Endometriosis (Endo) affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S. and 1 out of 10 in the world, which is why it is important to get the word out there on this disease.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus — usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.
This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation — and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems.
Three years ago I wrote about my endo story as of 2012. When I first learned about Endometriosis Awareness month, my biggest complaint at the time was trying to find a blog that was current; someone I can connect with about the disease. The blogs were created when the woman was first diagnosed with Endo and needed a vent session and shortly ended. Or the woman was having fertility issues because of Endo and stopped writing when they became pregnant. No one talked about additional surgeries, new medical discoveries for treatment, or how even after having a hysterectomy it doesn’t make it disappear. There is life WITH Endometriosis if it is caught early and as we continue to discover more about this disease.
As we encourage spreading the awareness regarding Endometriosis, I am thrilled to find out that there are more support groups and access to medical information is available and exponentially grown since I last looked. Please feel free to read my life experiences including Endo, surgeries and Lupron. I am an open book and if my experiences can help you understand a little more of yours, don’t hesitate to ask or comment away!
Below are a just few websites and blogs that were recognized for 2015 by the HealthExpress blog that I wanted to spotlight. These are websites and blogs that have been continuous, some others have only been around for a year or less. Click on the link for additional sites. You can also check out their “Endometriosis 101”.
Endometriosis.org
Endometriosis.org is the global platform which links all stake holders in endometriosis’; gathering all of the world under one roof, this is an excellent resource for people with endometriosis wherever they are in the world. Full of useful information, this site will appeal to anybody looking for comprehensive information.
Endometriosis update is perfect if you’re looking for insightful and informative content centered on the condition. Updated when there’s something to be spoken about, this site guarantees that every time you sign on you’re going to find out something worth knowing.
Endometriosis Foundation of America
The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating endometriosis, a debilitating reproductive disease that affects one in ten women of childbearing age in the United States. Founded by Tamer Seckin, MD and Padma Lakshmi, the EFA’s programs support its mission by focusing on advocacy, funding targeted research, educating medical professionals, and increasing disease awareness among the general public.
Not sure how I found her, but Jamie from ANewKindOfNormal.com blogs about life and supports Endometriosis awareness. She has CONTINUED her blog after sharing her story and is there to support others. I love that she is “Blogging For Endo” and encourages others to do so.
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Endometriosis is real… it is a chronic disease and it doesn’t “solve the problem” to just “remove the parts”. Be aware… be informative… be alive. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or ask other women that continue to conquer life while dealing with Endometriosis.
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