“I Ignored My Symptoms For 10 Years. It Turned Out To Be This Life-Altering Condition.”
For over a decade, 29-year-old Lizé Coetzer from Cape Town ignored the things that were happening in her body. Then she found out they were severe endometriosis symptoms. This is her story. What Is Endometriosis? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe pain in the pelvis and also make it harder to get pregnant. Up to 30% of women with endometriosis struggle to get pregnant, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine,“Endometriosis is a whole-body disease; endometrial tissue can grow almost anywhere in the body, but mostly effects the pelvic region,” explains Lizé.READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About EndometriosisWhen Does Endometriosis Start?Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause. It affects women and girls of reproductive age, mostly between the ages of 15 and 49. And according to WHO, roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally are affected by endometriosis.What Are Some Common Endometriosis Symptoms?Painful periods
Cramps
Gastrointestinal or bladder issues
Pain during or after sex
Backache
Fertility issuesREAD MORE: The Best Sex Toys For Those With EndometriosisHow It Began For Lizé“For over 10 years, I’ve normalised symptoms that I now know are due to severe endometriosis. It’s a chronic condition that affects millions of women, yet remains shrouded in silence and misunderstanding,” says Lizé.“Together, we can push for better understanding, better treatments and ultimately, better lives for everyone affected by endometriosis.”How Lizé Lives With Endometriosis“Living with endometriosis has been incredibly challenging. The pain, the fatigue and the emotional toll – it’s all real and it’s all too often dismissed,” she says.READ MORE: Painful Periods? PCOS? Meet The Hormone-Balancing SuppsHow Do I Alleviate My Endometriosis Symptoms?“I use a massage gun, heated pads and warm baths to help me cope. I also had to adjust my wardrobe because inflammation causes significant bloating in my stomach. That means looser clothes and t-shirts or ‘bloat-friendly pants’, as I like to call them,” Lizé says. Theragun Relief
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What Is The State Of Endometriosis Care In South Africa?“I wish medical specialists had more training for endo. In my experience, most gynaecologists have no idea what endometriosis is. There are only very specific specialists who are able to diagnose and treat endometriosis. Their availability and the medical costs involved mean their services are not attainable for many people,” Lizé expresses.READ MORE: Why It’s Important To Talk About Your Periods + How To Do ItHow Can We Improve Endometriosis Care In South Africa?“We should begin prioritising women’s health and shouldn’t normalise painful periods. Endometriosis is responsible for over 30 percent of all cases of infertility among women and yet it receives little funding for research and treatments,” remarks Lizé. “Governments and medical institutions should invest more in research and support for those living with endometriosis.”“I also believe that awareness and community support are crucial. We need to speak up!”“If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, please don’t ignore them. Seek medical advice, find a supportive community and know that you’re not alone. Let’s advocate for ourselves and each other,” advises Lizé.“Together, we can push for better understanding, better treatments and ultimately, better lives for everyone affected by endometriosis.” Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More