What is Endometriosis? Raising Awareness

Endometriosis is a immune system disease as well as hormonal of which cells are similar to that line the uterus *Endometrium* which produces growth outside of the uterine cavity. It is commonly on the membrane which the abnormal cavity lines to the peritoneum. Endometriosis is an excruciatingly painful feeling you get that is worse than having your menstrual cycle monthly. The most common cause is dysmenorrhea.

Endometriosis is usually diagnosed during the reproductive years, also has been diagnosed way before that as well. It can cause infertility, poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you can develop many cysts, and many other conditions of the female reproductive system. It can cause irregular menstrual periods, missed periods, as well as causing dislocation of organs around the reproductive system with the bowels, bladder, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries. The nervous system can also be affected by Endometriosis. Hormonal imbalances can be a factor as well.

Pelvic pain can range mid to severe aches, cramps, and pain that makes you feel like you have been stabbed repeatedly. you can feel the impact to the legs, lower abdomen, back, and down to the rectal areas as well. It depends from person to person on the severity of the case. It causes urine urgency, as well as voiding painfully sometimes. It also complicates intercourse and makes it very painful.

If you are experiencing very painful menstrual cramping, it is best to go see a gynecologist, and your family doctor to send you to a specialist to see what is going on with an ultrasound, MRI, CT Scan, or whatever examinations are needed to determine the main cause of what is going on. It is always a good idea to be screened, even if you are not active in intercourse. When you are on your period and it is extremely heavy, and periods that last over 7 days, it is a good idea to get screened right away to figure out what is going on.

Unfortunately when you do get diagnosed with Endometriosis, there is no cure for it, however there are a variety of treatment options such as surgery, hormonal, and pain medication. It depends on a persons situation and varies from what stage of Endometriosis that you have.

Endometriosis is a huge thing and not many people know about it or maybe they have and some people do not know what it is. It always good to ask questions and talk to other women who have Endometriosis and to get educated on these things.

I want to spread awareness as much as possible about this as I know someone who has this and its unfortunate what she is going through. I wish her all the best with this crazy disease. Women and girls go through a lot as they are growing up and going into adulthood. The body changes so much, especially when you get your first menstrual cycle. It all begins. Sometimes even before that.
It is so important for women to see your doctors regularly. Even if you do not feel anything wrong, it is always a good idea to get checked out for a peace of mind. It really is a good idea because its better to be safe and to know. Best wishes to you.

For more information and Links of Interest in Relative to Endometriosis:

Understanding Endometriosis.
http://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/understanding-endometriosis-symptoms

More in depth look at Endometriosis
http://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/default.htm

Causes and more
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html

Women’s Health, Diagnosis and more…
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/endometriosis.html

Other information
http://endometriosisinfo.ca/index_e.aspx

You can find more on your search engines.

My Experience in Women’s Breast Health – In Younger Women

This year of 2013, I went through a terrifying ordeal a few months back, and it was about my breast health. In March of 2013 I did a self-breast test and I felt a lumpy feeling, I thought okay, women get this sort of thing when their menstrual cycle comes around, but mine came and went and the lump was still there, so in April, I had a full medical examination from my doctor and I asked him to send me to have an ultrasound done, and so I went there and then they said that I need a surgical biopsy done of my left breast, and so the results came back a few days later stating that I do have a Benign Phyllodes Tumor which is Fibroadenoma, which happens to women who are 15-35 years of age and if left untreated, it can get bigger and harder to remove, so mine was caught in time because I saved myself the hassle in the long run. I did a self-test after I showered. It was something that I was really frightened about. I could not believe that this was happening at my age and I just jumped and had to get this problem corrected and for my future. I said at 28? How can this be?

I have always read that women need to do self tests. So at the end of June, 2013, I had my day surgery to remove the Benign Phyllodes Tumor and apparently it was about 8cm’s in length, then I had my final Day surgery Last month in September, 2013 to remove just a little bit of the tissue around so that it will never come back again. I did not stay overnight in hospital. I was in and out in a few hours. They put me to sleep, checked my blood pressure and everything else before I left to go home from hospital. I asked the doctor if I am at a higher risk in future in developing breast cancer, she said no. She said benign Phyllodes tumor happens and if it is properly surgically removed, there will be no risk. I am so relieved. It was the scariest thing I had ever gone through in my life. I automatically thought that I had the malignant kind and I lost weeks of sleep due to being so worried about the lump I found, but I thought too much and the results came back in my favour and it was a huge blessing. I felt at ease and I can sleep better at nights knowing that this is all over and I had my surgeries and I can go on with my life. in about a couple of weeks I will be visiting my doctor to discuss about my surgery and what happened.

I never really told a lot of my family members or friends about my situation, but I decided to write about it and share with everyone because this is something that cannot be kept secret, because I can be saving someone elses life and I can be preventing a serious health issue to others and give them this advice to go get assessed from your medical professional. Taking preventative measures is crucial.

Spreading and raising awareness on breast health is imperative and It is so important to get checked out, no matter how old you are. It does not matter if you are young or old. Things happen at all ages. It can save your life. Early detection can save you big time. Monthly do a self test, look at your breasts in the mirror before or after you take your shower, if you feel like the shape, colour, and the feeling of your breast is not right, have it checked out right away, if you feel extra sensitive after your periods and warmth or prickling like an orange peal, or nipple discharge or unusual pain again have it checked out. It could be other health problems too that need to be addressed and dealt with accordingly not necessarily in relative to your breasts. It can develop in 1 or both of your breasts and either left or right.

Health is the most important thing above anything else. without it, we have nothing. Health is wealth.

Be aware always because I care about everyone and their best interest. I wish you all the best . My thoughts and prayers to women who are going through the tough one right now.