A GP has warned individuals to never dismiss certain symptoms as normal and to consult with their GP if they experience them as soon as they can. Dr. Raj Arora, known as @drrajarora , is a GP and health educator with a focus on women’s health and skin health, advocating for individuals to seek the necessary help and not to live in pain.
An expert took to TikTok to share insights, explaining that certain symptoms may be all caused by endometriosis. For those unaware of what this is, the common condition is incurable and involves tissue similar to the womb’s lining growing in other areas, like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Although treatments exist, they may not always be effective.
1 Toilet
if you have pain whilst going to the toilet, the GP says that this is not normal. She explains: “When you have endometriosis, cells similar to the lining of the womb can occur outside the pelvis on organs like your bowels and your bladder. When you are having your period, these can bleed causing inflammation and scarring and adhesions.”
She explains that “adhesions are fibrous scars that can stick down onto your organs causing dysfunction.” Because of this, it may result in issues when you are “passing urine, or issues when you are opening your bowels. If you are in pain when you are going to the toilet, it might mean that your endometriosis has progressed slightly and scarring in the area.”
2. Intercourse
If you have pain during intercourse, this could be another sign. The GP explains that this happens because the “cells similar to the lining of the womb occurring outside the womb and outside of the pelvis might be attaching to organs, causing inflammation, causing scarring. And this can lead to pain during intercourse.”
3. Pregnancy
If you struggle to conceive, the GP says that this could be because you have endometriosis. Explaining why this could be the case, she says: “This [endometriosis] can often impact your reproductive organs, causing them to stick together or causing dysfunction.”
She further says that as a result, this can lead to “subfertility or infertility.” She adds that if you are struggling and you are worried, you need to see your GP.
Concluding her video, she says: “The most important message from this video is don’t accept these symptoms as normal. If you are suffering, don’t suffer in silence, go see your doctor, speak to somebody and get the help you need.”
Symptoms of endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms of endometriosis are:
- pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- pain during or after sex
- pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period
- difficulty getting pregnant
You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes. For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression. You can read more on the NHS website here.
