Endometriosis
One in ten people who currently or previously have had a uterus, have endometriosis. Some people can experience very severe pain, while others may not experience pain at all. Everyone's endometriosis experience is different.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to that which normally lines the uterus grows in other parts of the body, usually in the pelvic cavity. With each period, as the lining is shed, this tissue, which is outside the uterus also bleeds. This bleeding causes inflammation and from this; scar tissue, cysts and adhesions are formed.
Endometriosis is not a sexually transmitted disease, it is not life threatening or contagious.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus (womb) where the cells similar to the lining on the inside of the uterus are also present in the muscle wall of the uterus. The person experiencing this condition suffers numerous microscopic bleeds in the muscle, during the menstrual phase of their cycle.
The symptoms of adenomyosis are often very similar to endometriosis, with heavy, painful periods being the most common. Added symptoms include referred pain to the back and down the legs, with general associated feelings of fatigue. The pain can be at least as bad as endometriosis, sometimes worse, because the patient doesn’t yet have a diagnosis.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition which affects approximately one in ten who are of reproductive age.
‘Polycystic’ means many cysts. Those with PCOS typically have many partially formed follicles, containing an egg. These eggs rarely reach maturity or are able to be fertilised.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown; however, it is believed to be an insulin resistance, which drives this condition. Despite up to one third of people experiencing ‘polycystic’ ovaries on ultrasound, there are other key symptoms of PCOS which are key to being diagnosed.
These symptoms may include: an irregular menstrual cycle, excessive facial or body hair, hair loss, acne, reduced fertility, as well as depression or anxiety.
Pelvic pain
Pain that occurs below your belly button and above your legs, is known as pelvic pain. There are a lot of organs in your pelvic area, it’s where your uterus, ovaries, bladder, bowel, as well as lots of muscles live.
When experiencing pain in this region, it is important to understand what is ‘normal’ pain, such as some mild discomfort on the first day or two of your period, and pain that is not normal, such as experiencing frequent pain, which doesn’t disappear after trying pain relief methods. Pain that occurs every day for more than six months is categorised as persistent or chronic pelvic pain.
Period pain isn’t the only cause of pelvic pain, there are many different reasons for pelvic pain, and it’s important to seek assistance from a medical professional to determine the correct cause of your pain.