Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe pain and make it harder to get pregnant.
Affecting roughly 10% of people who menstruate, endometriosis has significant personal, social, public health, and economic implications.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis
“can decrease quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and infertility. Some individuals with endometriosis experience debilitating pain that prevents them from going to work or school. Painful sex due to endometriosis can lead to interruption or avoidance of intercourse and affect the sexual health of affected individuals and their partners. Addressing endometriosis will empower those affected by it by supporting their human right to the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health, quality of life and overall well-being.”
Endometriosis and mental health
There is a well-established connection between physical and mental health. In fact, the two are inseparable in our daily lives.
The way we feel mentally negatively impacts the way our body experiences conditions (for example, irritable bowel syndrome and headaches), as well as increases the risk of developing physical conditions (such as heart diseases, diabetes, and more). At the same time, physical conditions such as cancer, asthma, and diabetes can worsen our mood.
It’s no surprise then that there’s a relationship between mental wellness and endometriosis.
Research shows that endometriosis is associated with conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as a reduced quality of life. On the other hand, there is evidence that depression and anxiety can “...amplify the severity of pain” associated with endometriosis.
In fact, for some, the relationship can often look like a vicious cycle. When pain occurs or gets worse, emotional distress can follow. That emotional distress can then heighten the perception of pain.
Tips to help
Improving your mental wellness and endometriosis can be complicated, and what works for some may not work for others. Treating any condition can be influenced by a number of factors – for example, access to care, social support, stigma, cultural factors, and more.
Below, we’ve created a list of general tips for you to consider, which may be useful in managing endometriosis:
- Take care of your whole self! This means focusing on both the mind and the body!
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the relationship between your mental wellbeing and your endometriosis symptoms. They can recommend both endometriosis—and mental health—specific treatments that are best for you.
- Read more about the relationship between endometriosis and mental health, because as they say, knowledge is power! Here are some cool resources we liked!
- Endometriosis and Mental Health: What You Need to Know
- Endometriosis and Mental Health
- Endometriosis, Psychiatric Disorders May Raise the Risk of One Another
Join the Evidation community and help advance endometriosis research
If you're passionate about raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by endometriosis, consider joining the Evidation community today. By becoming a part of our community, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research initiatives, and gain access to valuable resources and information.
Your involvement can help us better understand endometriosis and its relationship with mental health, ultimately paving the way for improved treatments and quality of life for those affected. Join us in our mission to drive research and make a lasting impact on the understanding of endometriosis. Your participation matters.
Download the app today.
