Top 10 things not to say to someone with Endometriosis.

I completely understand that there is a lack of knowledge on what Endometriosis is.  However there are just some things that people say, that really get my blood boiling.  Often I will smile and just continue on my way, without even trying to educate on what is wrong with their “advice.”  I also know that by staying silent on this, I continue to make it acceptable for these things to be said to us.  So here are the Top 10 things NOT to say to someone with Endometriosis.

1: “I get bad cramps with my period too.”   Ok,  I am sorry that you get bad cramps with your period. However, endometriosis is just not about cramps.  Many of us suffer from several different symptoms as well as pain outside of our period.

2: “Have you tried yoga? “Not sure when yoga became the “cure” for everything, but the answer to your question is YES!  Yes, I actually have tried yoga, and guess what my symptoms are still here. I will add, that I do continue to do yoga and meditation because it helps with my stress and anxiety, just not my endometriosis.

3: “You don’t look sick!”   Thank you for noticing.  There are definitely days when it is almost impossible to get out of bed. So if I am not looking sick, then it’s a good day!

4: “Have you tried taking Tylenol or Motrin? ” Oh, how I wish that Tylenol or Motrin were enough for my pain.

5: “Think Positive.”  I am sure that we all try to think positively, but I am not sure how that will cure my endometriosis.

6: “When are you going to have children? ” This question is one that just completely angers me.  I am not sure when it became acceptable for people to ask this question.  For some of us, we will never have children, some have tried for years with many losses, some have chosen not to have children.  Whatever we have decided is personal and this question should not be asked.

7: “My sisters, coworkers, 3rd cousin has endometriosis and she’s fine.”  Ok so….. I am happy to hear that she hasn’t been affected by endo.    Just like our symptoms can vary for each of us, so can the degrees it affects us.

8: “Try not to focus on the pain.”  I wish it was that easy for us to just change our thoughts, and poof the pain is gone.  At times the pain can be so delibating that it’s ALL we can think about.  It consumes us in the middle of the night, on special occasions, etc

9: “Are you going to have a hysterectomy? ”  There is a lot of misinformation that people believe a hysterectomy will cure endometriosis.

10: “I thought your surgery, injections or medications were going to fix this?”  While surgery, injections, or medications may offer us temporary relief from our symptoms. There is no cure for endometriosis.

I am sure that when someone is saying these things, they don’t think they are doing anything wrong.  I am sure they mean well.  However,  sometimes it is better to just say “I am sorry you are going through this, is there anything I can do to help.”

Health & Happiness!

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