This year’s theme for Endometriosis is “Could it be endometriosis”? Endometriosis is when body tissue like the lining of the uterus (womb), called the endometrium, grows in other parts of the body. It usually grows in your pelvis but can occur in almost any part of the body.
Endometriosis is a progressive and chronic condition, meaning it gets worse over time. It can be very painful and can affect fertility. Having endometriosis may affect how you take part in education, work or sporting activities. About 1 in 9 females in Australia develop endometriosis and it causes tens of thousands of hospitalisations every year.
People with endometriosis will experience different symptoms. Depending on where the endometriosis is, the severity of the symptoms will change.
Symptoms include:
- abdominal (tummy) or pelvic pain before and during your period, during or after sex or when going to the toilet
- pain in your thigh or leg, which may get worse over time
- heavy periods or irregular bleeding, sometimes with clots, or bleeding for longer than normal or before your period is due
- bleeding from the bladder or bowel, or changes in urination or bowel movements, such as needing to urinate more often
- feeling bloated, with or without pain
- being tired, especially around the time of your period
- not being able to get pregnant
For more information please visit Health Direct website: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/endometriosis or Endometriosis Australia website: https://endometriosisaustralia.org