MARCH is recognised globally as Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a chronic and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide.

The month is used to educate the public, advocate for research funding, and support those living with the condition. Despite how common it is, endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed, making awareness efforts especially important.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to the ones that are shed with a woman’s period end up outside the womb, resulting in long-standing inflammation and pain. These growths can appear on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other pelvic organs. Unlike normal uterine lining, this tissue has no way to exit the body during menstruation, which can lead to inflammation, pain and scar tissue formation.

It is estimated that one in 10 women of reproductive age are affected globally.

Common symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms vary, but often include:

•Severe menstrual cramps

•Chronic pelvic pain

•Pain during or after intercourse

•Heavy menstrual bleeding

•Fatigue

•Digestive issues (bloating, nausea)

•Fertility challenges.

Many women experience years of symptoms before receiving a proper diagnosis, which is why awareness is crucial.

Why awareness matters

Endometriosis is more than “bad period pain.” It can significantly impact a woman’s mental health, work and school attendance, relationships and physical functioning.

Chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful sex and difficulty getting pregnant are some of the main features of the disease. Not to be left out are symptoms of chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, as well as painful passage of urine and stool. Early recognition can improve quality of life and reduce complications.

Diagnosis and treatment

While there is currently no cure, treatment options may include pain management strategies, hormonal therapies, surgical removal of endometrial tissue and lifestyle approaches to manage inflammation. Many women can be diagnosed based on symptoms and imaging alone; however, definitive diagnosis requires surgery.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard for diagnosis, and is used as part of the treatment plan. This technique involves the use of advanced high-definition cameras to look inside the belly via very small incisions (some around the size of a fingernail). Not only can this be used to identify lesions that are a few millimetres in size, but they can be removed at the same time.

Laparoscopic surgery is used to both diagnose and remove endometriosis lesions. This helps in reducing the disease burden and allows other modalities to work better.

Medications are usually used to help suppress deposits and control pain, while dietary modification is aimed at creating an anti-inflammatory environment, reducing foods that promote inflammation and increasing those that fight it.

Physical therapy is used, especially in women with painful sex, but can also help with pain from internal scarring. Regular exercise is well known to reduce painful period from whatever cause. Psychotherapy is important in developing coping mechanisms for managing a chronic disease, as well as tackling the often-accompanying depression and anxiety.

There is no cure for endometriosis, so the best thing we can do for it is catch it early. If the pain you experience with your periods interrupts your life, then have it checked out. If sex is painful to the point of you having to stop, or if it lingers for hours to days after, have it checked out.

Need help? Have questions? The BASE (Better Awareness and Support for Endometriosis) Foundation is a non-profit organisation with almost 10 years dedicated to creating awareness for endometriosis in Jamaica. E-mail hello@basejamaica.com.

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