Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, causing a range of symptoms and complications that can impact all areas of your life. The symptoms of endometriosis include:
If you suspect you may have endometriosis, it’s important to be proactive and take the following steps to ensure you’re doing everything you can to navigate through your endo journey. You should:
As always, knowledge is empowerment. Our gynaecologists recommend familiarising yourself with the signs and symptoms of endometriosis. These may include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and fertility issues. By understanding the condition, you can articulate your concerns more effectively when discussing them with your gynaecologist.
Keeping a diary and documenting your symptoms daily will help you identify any patterns, and triggers and give you an overview of your symptoms. It’s good to record details such as when the pain occurs, how long it lasts and any other associated factors. This diary will become a valuable tool to refer to when chatting with your gynaecologist.
If you think you might have endometriosis you must seek professional help. Schedule an appointment with a Grace Private Gynaecologist to discuss your symptoms and your concerns.
Endometriosis diagnosis involves a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure conducted under general anaesthesia. Gynaecologists at Grace Private may recommend this procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, and it can be performed as day or overnight surgery.
During the laparoscopy, a small incision near the belly button allows the insertion of a laparoscope connected to a video camera. There are usually two or three additional small port sites which are used to assist the surgeon to examine the pelvic organs and to remove (or treat) the disease. Good excisional surgery involves removing the endometriosis for histological confirmation.
With endometriosis, being your own advocate will help you feel empowered and ensure your concerns are being addressed. It’s crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare team, sharing detailed information about your symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and any concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, and express your preferences regarding treatment options.
While there isn’t a cure for endometriosis, there are many things you can do to help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. By working closely with your healthcare team you can develop a personalised management plan that addresses your specific needs.
This could include a combination of medical, surgical, and lifestyle interventions. Pain relief or hormonal therapies may be prescribed to manage pain and regulate your menstrual cycle. Surgical options, including laparoscopic excision of endometrial tissue, can be considered in more severe cases.
Along with these options, lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms in some cases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, can improve your overall well-being and reduce the severity of some symptoms. It’s important to take an active role in exploring these options with your healthcare team to find a comprehensive approach that suits your individual circumstances.
At Grace Private, our gynaecologists work with a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, a dietician and psychologists, to ensure we’re taking a holistic approach to your endometriosis diagnosis and ongoing management.
Dealing with a potential endometriosis diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. Reach out to friends, family, support groups or your Grace Psychologist to share your feelings and experiences. Emotional support can be an important part of coping with the uncertainties that may accompany a suspected or confirmed endometriosis diagnosis.
At Grace Private, our Gold Coast gynaecologists understand endometriosis awareness is more than just recognising the condition, it’s about empowering women to take care of their health. If you think you may have endometriosis ‘ask for Grace’ next time you visit your GP for a referral.
