By Kamila Bielawiec
Mother Nature bestows us girls with the gift of fertility. Because of that, most women go through a process called menstruation, when their body prepares for pregnancy on a monthly basis. If it does not happen, the uterus, or womb, sheds its lining.
Whether you call it your monthly, Auntie Flo’s visit, having the painters in or simply your period, those of us who menstruate are very familiar with all the struggles it can bring.
We wrestle with – and pay a lot of money for – sanitary towels and tampons, we’re often on the look-out for convenient toilets and toilet breaks, and more often than not we struggle with PMT and pain.
But what kind of pain is okay?
Are painful periods normal?
Very often we hear that periods should be painful, and that it is entirely normal to bleed heavily. But nothing could be more wrong! Pain is not normal, and endometriosis may be the cause.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease often caused by genetics. The condition affects one in ten women of any age. It’s a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but some treatments can help.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can create painful lesions, cysts, and chronic inflammation. If you ever struggled with acne, heavy bleeding or abnormal pain around that time of the month, you should consider contacting your GP.
“I struggled with shooting pains since I got my first period. Doctors have been always telling me that was normal, and nothing to worry about. In the ’90s, endometriosis was not known, as it is now,” says Sylwia Glinska, 42, chef.
“I got my first laparoscopy when I was 18, when the pain took away my want to live. Doctors found out that I have endometriosis. It was a relief to know, but the only thing at the time that could help was painkillers. In my case, it developed very quickly, and I had had my womb removed.”
Managing the pain
Unfortunately, even after being diagnosed, there’s not much you can do – you can either manage the pain with painkillers (most common), take the pill non-stop and skip your periods, or do surgery to cut away patches of the tissue. In the worst-case scenario – remove the womb.
“Since I remember, I was struggling with extremely bad period pains, and even during sex. The PMS was crazy too!,” said Karolina Zukowski, a 23-year-old student.
“I decided to go to see my gynaecologist as it was disturbing and very annoying. I was told that pain would go away once I got pregnant. Later, I found out that I have endometriosis, and that was the problem.
“There are few treatment options, but I have decided to stick with painkillers, but I may change it soon.”
“Endometriosis devastates the lives of women and their families.,” says Endometriosis UK, which provides vital support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis.
“One in ten women endure unrelenting pain that affects every aspect of their lives each day. That’s over 1.5 million women who desperately need support and information to help them understand this chronic condition.”
Endometriosis can not only make sexual interactions painful, but it can also cause vomiting, acne, and fainting. As the mind reacts to the body’s state, it may also lead to mental health issues. If you struggle – contact your GP. You can also reach Endometriosis UK at
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