Endometriosis: Symptoms, Impact, and How to Cope

Painful and/or heavy periods, pain during or after sex, chronic pelvic pain in your lower tummy or back, or pain when urinating during your period? If you’ve experienced some of these symptoms, you might have endometriosis.



Credit: TODAY

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the inside of the womb (uterus), called the endometrium, grows in other parts of the body, typically within the pelvis.

In a normal cycle, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for pregnancy and sheds during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur. With endometriosis, similar tissue outside the womb responds to the same hormonal signals, building up and breaking down each month, but the blood has no way to leave the body.

Over time, this internal bleeding can cause:

  • Cysts in the ovaries

  • Lesions or nodules on pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines)

  • Adhesions that cause organs to stick together

Endometriosis affects an estimated 20–30% of women in their reproductive years (from puberty to menopause). While the exact cause remains unknown and there is currently no cure, effective treatments exist to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

The Hidden Struggle of Endometriosis

Despite its prevalence, awareness of endometriosis is low, even among healthcare professionals. Many women face delayed diagnoses or misdiagnoses with some women waiting years for answers.

The pain and fatigue can disrupt daily life, lower productivity, and lead to withdrawal from social activities. This often creates feelings of isolation when loved ones don’t understand the condition. Nearly half of those affected also report depression and anxiety.

For some, endometriosis also impacts fertility, adding grief to an already challenging experience.

How to Cope with Endometriosis

Living with a chronic condition like endometriosis isn’t easy, but there are strategies to help manage both the physical and emotional toll.

1. Practice Radical Acceptance

Start by acknowledging your feelings, anger, sadness, anxiety, or frustration, without judgment. Notice the thoughts running through your mind and whether they are supportive or self-critical.

Radical acceptance means facing reality as it is, without getting stuck in “Why me?” or “What did I do wrong?” Accepting doesn’t mean approval or giving up. It simply frees up energy for what matters most to you.

2. Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts

A medical diagnosis can trigger negative thinking patterns such as:

  • Catastrophising: “I’ll never live a normal life.”

  • All-or-nothing thinking: “I’m useless because of this condition.”

  • Self-blame: “This is my fault.”

To challenge these, ask:

  • What’s the evidence for and against this thought?

  • What’s the worst and best case scenario?

  • What advice would I give a friend in this situation?

3. Ask for Support

Endometriosis is real, and asking for help doesn’t make you a burden. It can feel difficult, but you can ease this by preparing what you want to say. For example:

  • “Could you accompany me to my medical appointment?”

  • “If you see me curled up on the couch, could you make me a hot drink?”

Educate your loved ones about your condition and express gratitude when they help. A simple “Thank you” goes a long way.

Supporting Someone with Endometriosis

If your loved one has endometriosis, here are two key ways to help:

1. Offer Emotional Support

  • Show compassion and flexibility. Plans may change if pain flares up.

  • Avoid minimising their pain with phrases like, “It’s just cramps” or “Others have it worse.”

  • Validate their feelings: “It makes sense you’re frustrated. I’d feel the same.”

Rather than rushing to solve the problem, listen and acknowledge their experience.

2. Provide Practical Help

  • Learn about the condition so you can better understand what they’re going through.

  • Offer specific help: grocery shopping, meal prep, or accompanying them to appointments.

  • Take care of yourself, too. Supporting someone with a chronic condition can be emotionally draining.

Final Thoughts

Endometriosis is more than a “painful period.” It’s a chronic, life-impacting condition that requires compassion, from both ourselves and others. With awareness, support, and the right coping strategies, it’s possible to live meaningfully despite the challenges.