Throughout my 12 years of living with and being diagnosed with Endometriosis, I have heard several different variations of the word Endometriosis. More often than most, it triggered a sensitive reaction. It was triggered by two things:
1. There is not enough awareness in the public to know the word. People simply do not hear it enough.
2. My condition is not significant enough - chronic enough - not fatal enough - to be measured relevant enough to know its name.
I have learned that it is important for me to educate, to make aware, to implore language in its syllabic form so that the word END-O-ME-TRI-O- SIS is not forgotten. It is a six-syllabic word - let's make sure everyone knows how to say it & what it is.
SO, What is ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis, sometimes called "endo," is found in women. It gets its name from the word endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus and on other areas in the body where it doesn't belong.
Most often, endometriosis is found on the:
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Tissues that hold the uterus in place
The outer surface of the uterus
Other sites for growth can include the vagina, cervix, vulva, bowel, bladder, or rectum.
Rarely, endometriosis appears in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain, and skin.
Also:
Endometriosis has been linked to high levels of the hormone estrogen. This hormone is responsible for the thickening of the endometrium with your monthly menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis growths are benign (not cancerous). But they can still cause some hectic problems.
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining on the inside of your uterus or womb grows on the outside of your uterus or womb where it doesn't belong. Endometriosis growths may swell and bleed in the same way the lining inside of your uterus does every month — during your menstrual period. This can cause swelling and pain because the tissue grows and bleeds in an area where it cannot easily get out of your body.
Importantly:
Sisters, there is so much to learn about this chronic condition. We should know its definition, we should know how to say it loud and powerfully, we should be able to spell it (LOL), we should be able to know the extent of the condition but here is the thing, we can write a book on Endometriosis but our learning truly happens when we love our wombs with the pain and offer it love gracefully. Say kind words to your womb, the pain is excruciating but pain offers rest, pain offers lessons, pain beckons change, pain beckons acceptance and resilience. This is sometimes the hardest but most essential experience as an Endo Warrior.
Endo awareness leads to Endometriosis knowledge leads to Endometriosis Understanding leads to Endometriosis SISTER SUPPORT
Your Beloved Sister
Gafieza