Fashion designer, presenter and model Alexa Chung has shone a light on endometriosis after being diagnosed with the condition.
Alexa, 39, has opened up about her experience of suffering with endometriosis for the first time in a piece for British Vogue, saying she received treatment for the painful condition while a cyst was being removed.
Speaking to Vogue she said: “Often sufferers end up going back for surgery after surgery. Shockingly, there are stories of some doctors suggesting that women have a baby to suppress their symptoms.”
It's important to be aware of the symptoms of endometriosis and seek medical advice if needed.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The tissue sheds in the same way that blood does during the menstrual cycle, but has nowhere to escape to, causing inflammation, pain, and a build-up of scar tissue. Painful sex, fatigue and difficulty getting pregnant can also occur.
Faye Farthing, head of communications at Endometriosis UK explains: “Endometriosis is a common, sometimes debilitating but often ignored gynaecological disease affecting 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life”.
That equates to around 1.5 million in the UK with the disease, which has no known cause or cure. Justyna Strzeszynska, founder and CEO of period health app Joii said: “Sufferers often work while enduring debilitating symptoms including, pain, bowel and bladder issues, heavy bleeding and brain fog.”
How is it diagnosed?
Strzeszynska said: “With the average diagnosis time being over seven years, endometriosis takes its toll mentally and physically”. The first step if you’re experiencing symptoms is to see a GP, who may perform an internal examination, blood test or scan and recommend treatments if they think you have endometriosis.
The only definitive way to diagnose the condition is with laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), where a surgeon passes a camera through a small cut in the stomach to look for signs of endometriosis.
What is the treatment?
Francis Gardner, consultant gynaecologist and cancer surgeon at Spire Portsmouth Hospital said: “The severity of symptoms associated with the condition is very variable and not always correlating with the clinical stage of the disease. Initially, many patients continue to function normally with the support of medical treatment for the condition and regular pain relief.
“Doctors may suggest painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, hormonal treatments or medicines called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues. Unfortunately, if the condition fails to improve with medical treatment then invasive investigation and treatment are required with keyhole surgery and removal of the condition.
“In cases of severe disease, more radical treatment may be required which could involve a hysterectomy, bowel resection or urological surgery such as ureteric reimplantation.”
Can lifestyle changes help?
Guidance from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology says ‘no recommendation’ can be made about physical therapies or exercise and their benefit with regards to improving quality of life and reducing pain in women with endometriosis, and that further studies are needed. But some experts believe it may have a positive impact on some people living with the condition.
Amanda Place, personal trainer and founder of Sculptrition, said: “Exercise can help improve symptoms for some women who have endometriosis, helping them feel better, both mentally and physically. Yoga, pilates, or any other type of low to moderate impact workouts, such as swimming, brisk walking and cycling, are typically the best types of exercise to opt for when experiencing endometriosis-related symptoms.”
The endorphins produced by movement may help to counteract pelvic pain, but it’s important to start slowly and work out what is best for your body. Particularly if you’ve had surgery: “It’s really important to be careful with physical activity when recovering from surgery, so make sure you get advice from health professionals.”
The NHS advises people to see their GP if they’ve been experiencing symptoms of endometriosis.
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