Psychological Effects of Endometriosis on Women
Endometriosis can take its toll not only physically - but emotional wellbeing can be affected as well. Living with endometriosis can be extremely frustrating, especially if the path to diagnosis is a long one. Dealing with chronic pain, fertility problems and lifestyle restrictions can have a serious effect on a woman's emotional wellbeing.
At different times and in no particular order, women with endometriosis may experience feelings of:
It can be very helpful to identify whether you are experiencing any of these emotions or feelings. Once we become aware of our feelings then we are better placed to be able to do something about them. This is an important thing to do as emotional distress can affect our ability to cope with everyday life as well as having endometriosis, and it may also make the physical symptoms of endometriosis worse.
At different times and in no particular order, women with endometriosis may experience feelings of:
- Frustration
- Sadness
- Depression
- Anger
- Loss of control
- Low self esteem
- Isolation or loneliness
- Being overwhelmed
- Stress
- Mood swings
It can be very helpful to identify whether you are experiencing any of these emotions or feelings. Once we become aware of our feelings then we are better placed to be able to do something about them. This is an important thing to do as emotional distress can affect our ability to cope with everyday life as well as having endometriosis, and it may also make the physical symptoms of endometriosis worse.
Depression
Depression is a serious and common illness that affects many women at some point of time during their endometriosis lives. People with depression can find it hard to function each day, both physically and mentally.
What is depression?
Depression is more than feeling sad or blue. It involves more persistent and intense negative thoughts and feelings. It can mean changes to eating and sleeping habits, difficulty with concentration, feelings of tiredness, feelings of worthlessness and less motivation to do the things we used to love.
Many women with endometriosis experience depression. This can be for a variety of reasons including:
Many women with endometriosis experience depression. This can be for a variety of reasons including:
- Initial misdiagnosis / a long time to diagnosis
- Coming to terms with the diagnosis
- Lifestyle restrictions
- Dealing with chronic pain and other symptoms
- Hormonal treatments which can effect mood and emotional wellbeing
- Unsuccessful treatments and having recurrences that require further treatments
- Dealing with the possibility of infertility or having infertility
- Lack of support / understanding
- Financial problems e.g. taking time off work, treatments, surgery
Anxiety
What is anxiety?
Anxiety involves extreme feelings of fear and worry that can lead to a loss of confidence that makes decision making difficult, and can lead to withdrawal and avoidance of people and places.
Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:
Psychological symptoms may include:
Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:
- A racing heart or palpitations
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Dizziness
Psychological symptoms may include:
- Worry
- Restlessness
- Over thinking
- Agitation
- Avoidance of others, or of going out
Painful Sex
Painful sex (also know as dyspareunia) is common when endometriosis affects the tissue behind the uterus at the top of the vagina. Having this experience of pain with sex not only has an effect on libido but also can lead to difficulties in expression of sexuality as an individual and also as a couple.
Stress
Feeling stressed occurs when we feel threatened and when the demands that are being made on us are greater than our ability to cope.
Some women, especially in the lead up to diagnosis and immediately after a diagnosis, find endometriosis a particularly stressful experience. What was once a body that was controllable and reliable, is now causing symptoms and pain that are unpredictable and distressing both physically and emotionally.
It can be especially stressful and frustrating prior to diagnosis as many women are misdiagnosed, or are simply told that their period pain is ‘normal' or that it will get better as they age. Finding a good, empathetic doctor can make a huge difference; however even with this, the path to diagnosis can still be a long and stressful experience.
Living with endometriosis can cause stress following diagnosis in a number of ways:
Some women, especially in the lead up to diagnosis and immediately after a diagnosis, find endometriosis a particularly stressful experience. What was once a body that was controllable and reliable, is now causing symptoms and pain that are unpredictable and distressing both physically and emotionally.
It can be especially stressful and frustrating prior to diagnosis as many women are misdiagnosed, or are simply told that their period pain is ‘normal' or that it will get better as they age. Finding a good, empathetic doctor can make a huge difference; however even with this, the path to diagnosis can still be a long and stressful experience.
Living with endometriosis can cause stress following diagnosis in a number of ways:
- Dealing with physical symptoms, especially pain
- Coming to terms with lifestyle restrictions
- Undergoing treatments / surgical procedures
- Strain placed on relationships
- The possibility of infertility