Every once in a while, I get overwhelmed and humbled by how the Lord has shaped my life. Recently, I’ve seen Him in past and present situations and how His lending hand influences my future. Things I thought had no correlation ended up being essential when combined. My parents have been stationed in Pensacola, Florida, I got a new job at a command with caring supervisors and coworkers, and positions I’m considering next are available remotely. So many other things have happened, but those are the most noticeable. Now, why am I telling you about the blessings in my life?
I’ve recently been undergoing examinations for endometriosis. Due to ultrasound results, recorded symptoms, and family history, my gynecologist is confident that I have the disease. I will have laparoscopic surgery to confirm and treat the issue in the coming months. From what I’ve learned from other women with endometriosis, my gynecologist, and online research, this disease is very taxing and not always taken seriously. This brings me to the topic of this blog post.
It is crucial for women struggling with endometriosis (or other women’s health issues) to talk about it. Many of the stories I heard of women being diagnosed included the following sentences:
“It took me 10 years to finally be diagnosed.”
“I was told women just experience different pain levels during their period.”
“Everyone says I’m being overdramatic, but the pain is beyond debilitating.”
“They said it was IBS.”
“They did the surgery and found nothing.”
“They did the surgery, but it came back 6 months later.”
“This is my 3rd time having laparoscopic surgery.”
“I don’t have money for IVF or other fertility options. Does anyone have recommendations?”
“I feel so alone.”
Those are only some of the discouraging words said in endometriosis groups. Some of these women struggled for years. Their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters have the disease. So why is it talked about so little? Why do so many women feel their pain is dismissed by doctors, family members, and friends? How is there still not much known about this disease? How does it go under the radar or misdiagnosed for several years? Why do women have to consistently push to be taken seriously about knowing something isn’t right with their bodies?
I’ve never considered myself a hardcore feminist. Still, I feel frustrated at the lack of information about women’s health. . . and I feel the need to talk about it. This month is Women’s History Month and Endometriosis Awareness Month. More than ever, I understand the struggle for women’s health throughout history. As with everything in life, if you don’t speak up, you’ll never be heard. Women need to continue speaking and pushing for women’s health to be taken seriously. A few of the things I’ve personally noticed since starting my endometriosis journey are:
My insurance covers contraception and pregnancy but not infertility treatments.
The pain can be indescribably debilitating.
Several women in my daily life experience it.
The loneliness hits unexpectedly and severely.
If it weren’t for the women in my life with endometriosis and the women in the Facebook groups I joined, I would’ve been so scared and confused. If you’re a woman struggling with your reproductive health, do not hesitate to speak about it, push your doctors to listen to you, and confide in other women experiencing similar complications. You are your most prominent advocate.
