That shouldn't be the first thing at all. Girls, teenagers and in some cases younger need to be made aware of the symptoms of Endo. I know when I attended my sex ed talk in school it wasn't discussed we were simply told about OCP's, Condoms and sexually transmitted diseases. Just the "basics" if you will to prevent us girls (Catholic school it was) from getting pregnant or contracting a disease.
My Sister however, younger by five years, was given a completely different talk at her school. It could have been because of the gap in years and improved information or perhaps something as simple as a different school. She said that her class were told about PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer. The girls were told what symptoms to look out for and when to go see their G.P
So girls, you do not need to be trying to conceive to be concerned about whether or not you have Endo.
If you have painful, heavy periods with or without the presence of clots it's a good idea to talk to your G.P
Knowing what is painful enough is a difficult point to advise anyone on as we all have our own threshold for pain. There isn't really a scale with which you can measure up against. Feel free to use the above as a guide,
But keeping a log or journal of your cycle, dates, how heavy/light, how painful, were you constipated or had loose bowels/, any specific areas of intense pain around the pelvic area, is a fantastic tool and will not only help you keep track of your symptoms but it will allow your Doctor to see if there is any emerging pattern. You will basically be giving them a history without answering one question. Honestly if you haven't started one start today. It doesn't need to be long winded. Just the date, specific pain, flow, day of cycle etc. that's it.
One big symptom of Endometriosis that for some unknown reason gets overlooked given that there's such a connection to fertility is that it can be very painful whilst having sex. I know go figure huh. We'll talk about your ability to conceive but we don't want to discuss the actual act being painful for you.
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) is usually caused by the stretching and pulling of of endometrial implants and nodules located behind the vagina and lower uterus. The pain has been described' as a sharp, jabbing, stabbing or a deep ache. One women close to me described it as "a hot poker being shoved up inside her". For everyone's sake I'll take her name to the grave but I thought it made for a vivid picture.
This pain may be felt during intercourse but can also last from 24-48 hours afterward.
This pain may be felt during intercourse but can also last from 24-48 hours afterward.
Some women experience this pain right throughout the month, others only around the time of their period. Just like some only experience the pain during deep penetration whereas others experience it through any form of intercourse.
\The only thing predictable about Endo is it's unpredictability.
No matter what stage of life you're at you're entitled to a satisfying sex life. (Once you're over the age of consent obviously). There are ways to avoid it being uncomfortable or painful and it depends on your own personal situation. It may take some time and a bit of experimenting but it'll be worth it in the end. Each person has separate needs. Find what works for you.
Yeah, I'm not going to lie Endo does cause a lot of problems, it can get in the way. You're trying to plan a vacation and end up fretting you'll have a flare up. But, we have to remain positive in our fight.
Remember girls, practice safe sex. OCP's may prevent pregnancy but they don't protect against STD's, HIV and AIDS. Dont' assume the guy will have protection. Be smart, bring your own.
Stay positive ladies and as always feedback is welcome. Love to my Endo Sisters. XxxX
