Today, about 10% of women are affected by endometriosis. Meaning, millions of lives are impacted as by pain and discomfort, which can become incredibly debilitating. Thus, it is really important to learn how to tackle properly the effects of endometriosis on the body so as not to let it rule your life.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects women. The endometrial tissues responsible for the condition are normally found in the lining of the uterus. However, these endometrial tissues can grow outside of the uterus, although the cause is not clear as to why this happens. The tissues can develop somewhere else like the ovaries, pelvic area, intestines and even the lungs.

Each month when estrogen levels rise and prepare the uterus for pregnancy the endometrial tissue throughout the body increases in volume in readiness. When pregnancy doesn’t happen the uterus will shed it’s lining (menstruation) and expel the unwanted tissue and blood via the vagina.

The tissues elsewhere in the body go through the same process each month, however there is no way to expel the unwanted tissue so inflammation and scarring occurs and sometimes cysts form. Over time the scarring increases and adhesions can form, which are ropes of scar tissue that spread and attach themselves to other organs. This is what causes the pain and discomfort and it tends to worsen over time.

The effects of endometriosis can be damaging, more than just bringing pain and discomfort. It can also affect the way a woman regards herself as it makes the normal process of the body very difficult. This condition can make menstrual cycles unbearable and can make bowel movements really painful.

Furthermore, endometriosis can also affect romantic relationships. Sexual intercourse can become very painful due to this disease. It can even make a woman bleed afterward. More than just hampering lifestyle, endometriosis can keep a woman from having intercourse as it can worsen the condition.

The pain comes from the thrusting motion of intercourse aggravating pockets of endometriosis or scar tissues that are effecting the vagina.

Considering these facts, it is inevitable that women sometimes suffer low esteem as a result of endometriosis. It can also affect relationships with your partner. Endometriosis can lead to you being deprived of the normal things that everyone else can enjoy.

So, it is crucial to find ways to tackle the problem. There are various approaches that can help alleviate the problem. First up, talk to your partner and explain the reason why intercourse hurts so much, let them know that it not their fault (or yours!). Try to encourage other ways of being intimate during times when the pain is bad.

For treating the actual cause of the problem, there are people who will suggest hysterectomy to get rid of the problem. However, this should not be the first option. Hysterectomy is a last resort if the condition is so bad that a woman’s life is threatened. Generally, this extreme is not the case. There are other, less extreme surgical options that should be explored first. Discuss the risks and benefits with your own doctor.

Using natural methods can also help minimize the effects of endometriosis. Through these, woman can actually live life with less pain and discomfort.

Taking vitamin B can be helpful. This nutrient enables the liver to convert the excess estrogen into less harmful forms. Magnesium is a good option to strengthen the muscles. It is also possible to introduce natural progesterone in the body so that the levels of estrogen can be properly balanced, thereby reducing endometriosis symptoms. It is important to speak to your doctor before starting to take any supplements.

Don’t forget if you haven’t already done so, you can sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that uncovers effective ways to help women combat endometriosis symptoms. You’ll also find more about controlling the effects endometriosis can have and ways to overcome them.