Written by Natalie Norman a current Zoo Biology NTU student

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and causing pelvic pain, especially associated with menstruation.

There are four different types of endometriosis:

• Peritoneal (superficial) endometriosis, where it is found mainly on the pelvic
• peritoneum
• Ovarian endometriosis occurs when endometriosis cysts are found in the ovaries
• Deep endometriosis, where it is found in locations such as the bladder and
• recto-vaginal septum and the lesions of endometriosis are at a deeper level than
• peritoneal endometriosis
• Extra-pelvic endometriosis occurs when endometriosis is found outside of the
• pelvis, such as the thorax and caesarean scars.

My experience

When I was 12 years old, I was prescribed the oral contraceptive pill as my menstrual

cycle would not stop. After about 5 years of taking this medication, a nurse queried

whether anyone had looked into why I was experiencing abnormal periods, so she

referred me to the ultrasound department, where I was diagnosed with endometriosis.

At that time, I was studying for my A-level exams and found it hard to come to terms with

this news. I was booked in for surgery the day after my last exam, to remove an

endometrioma growing on my ovary.

Endometriomas are benign cysts that grow from the endometrium tissue. After surgery, I

was informed that they were not able to remove all my endometriosis tissue as it had

grown into my abdominal wall, bowel and bladder. This shattered me as I knew I would

have to live with this for the rest of my life. In August, I received my A-level results, which

were not what I was hoping for. However, NTU offered me the course along with a

foundation year due to my grades.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Symptoms of endometriosis can vary, as each person is unique. Personally, I suffer from

joint pains, severe pain in my abdomen and my back, heavy bleeding and fatigue. This

can affect my studies at university as I find it hard to move without being in immense

pain; however, my lecturers are very understanding and don’t mind if I need to take a

break or study at home. Others may experience: Pain during or after sex, painful bowel

movements, pain when urinating and difficulty getting pregnant.

What are the causes?

The actual cause of endometriosis is unknown; however, there are theories about the

cause of endometriosis being: retrograde menstruation, genetic predisposition,

lymphatic or circulatory spread, immune dysfunction, environmental causes and

metaplasia.

What treatments are available?

Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis, but there are different treatment options

to reduce the severity of symptoms, such as contraceptives. Personally, I take the oral

combined contraceptive pill, as it reduces my menstrual cycle and controls the

bleeding. I also had conservative surgery, which is done via a laparoscopy (keyhole

surgery) to cut out the endometriosis tissue or destroy it using heat or laser. Although

surgery can provide relief from symptoms, endometriomas can recur. There are also:

Complex surgery, radical surgery and conservative surgery.

Effect on mental health

Endometriosis, like many other chronic illnesses, can be hard on your mental health. I

find it hard sometimes to come to terms with the fact that I will have endometriosis for

the rest of my life, and the fact that there is little research into it makes me feel even

worse. There is always help available at NTU, whether it be the mental health team or

the disability support team. They have all helped me immensely with my condition.

Why is it important that we bring awareness to women’s health?

Around 40% of women in the UK currently have a diagnosed health condition, and

around 10% of women are experiencing symptoms but haven’t sought medical advice.

This could be due to the long waits for diagnosis (especially for conditions like

endometriosis, PCOS and autoimmune disorders), medical misogyny or dismissal. By

learning more about women’s health it can push for better research and improved

access to services.

The stresses I had to face with doctors, surgery, treatments, along with my personal life,

I don’t want anyone to ever experience. That is why I created the

NTU_Womens_Healthcare_Advice page on Instagram. I want to be the person who gives

advice and helps women at NTU, whether you are struggling with your diagnosis or have

concerns about your health. Follow along my journey, balancing university life with

endometriosis.

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
HealthyNTU: Advice, tools and activities for your wellbeing
NTSU Information and Advice service
Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies: Support for your Mental Health in Nottingham
Student Minds 10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus