Our resident period coach Katherine Glyde shares her insights on common myths around endometriosis.
Myths around endometriosis are common and unhelpful. Some myths can be a barrier to those living with the condition getting the appropriate care they deserve.
Here are 5 of the most common I hear on a regular basis and some things you can do if they affect you:
Myth 1: A hysterectomy will cure endometriosis
This myth has been doing the rounds for many years. No, a hysterectomy will not cure your endometriosis; endometriosis appears in other areas outside of the womb so taking the womb away does not remove the endometriosis. It is worth noting that there are reports of cases of endometriosis having some relief from a hysterectomy, but these are extreme cases when there is no other option left available. There is no known cure for endometriosis right now.
Myth 2: If you have endometriosis, you won’t be able to have children
Endometriosis can have an impact on fertility and sadly it does for many, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will for you. If fertility is a concern for you, do ensure you make sure your doctor is aware and tailors any treatment accordingly. Endometriosis UK have several resources available online on the topic of endometriosis and fertility to help support you.
Myth 3: Endometriosis always shows up on MRI scans or ultrasound scans …and if it doesn’t it means you don’t have endometriosis.
Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose; partly due to it being so small. The gold standard of diagnosis currently is laparoscopic surgery, if your scans come back clean that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. No one knows your body better than you so if you are experiencing symptoms and you scans come back clear do push for further investigation if you need to.
Myth 4: Pain only occurs during menstruation
Endometriosis can cause pain throughout the menstrual cycle not just during the menstruation phase (when you are bleeding). Depending on where your endometriosis is and the stage it is currently at you could experience endometriosis pain anywhere in your body at any time.
If you are in any way concerned about the pain, you experience do seek medical attention.
Myth 5: You did something to cause your endometriosis
We still don’t know what causes endometriosis, there are several theories out there, but nothing confirmed yet; so let that be confirmation that you haven’t caused this.
After struggling with her periods for a long time, Katherine was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2018 , After finding it difficult to get support she decided to create it. Katherine is a qualified Personal Performance and Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Wellbeing Coach and Addictive Behaviours Specialist Coach. She uses all these skills to support clients on a one to one and group coaching basis. You can learn more about Katherine here. For more blogs on endometriosis, check out this one by Endometriosis UK.
