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This study is being conducted to acquire information about awareness and knowledge of endometriosis and clinical strategies taken among New Zealand GPs. GP'S NEEDED FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS STUDY DOWNLOAD RECRUITMENT FLIER GP'S - GET THE SURVEY LINK Section Subtitle The general practitioner (GP) plays an important role in identifying people in early stages of endometriosis. This study is being conducted to acquire information about awareness and knowledge of endometriosis and clinical strategies taken among New Zealand GPs. This project has been supported by the Waikato Medical Research Foundation. GP's - please complete the below form for the survey link to be emailed to you. Your details First name Last name Clinic/Practice Name Email Phone Region Postal code Send Thank you for submitting, we will be in touch soon with the survey link. Contact form Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today

We are a community-based charitable trust that supports people affected by endometriosis. Why choose us to support you At Insight Endometriosis, we believe that everyone deserves access to accurate information and support when dealing with endometriosis. We have been empowering the endometriosis community by providing information, education, and support as well as raising awareness to reduce diagnostic delays since 1999. We believe through information, support, and awareness people with endometriosis can be empowered to make decisions for themselves regarding their health and endometriosis journey. Our aspiration for Aotearoa New Zealand Those affected by endometriosis are empowered and supported at all levels, with equitable outcomes for all. Our Vision Lives are not limited or defined by endometriosis. Our Purpose To empower people with support and information, and through strong partnerships work towards equitable change. Our Values Authentic Courageous Empathetic Inclusive and Connected Meet our team Our Board of Trustees Our Staff Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the success of our organisation through the time donated and the knowledge, skills, and expertise volunteers bring. We value our volunteers and are committed to best practices to maximise engagement when working with us, we belong to several volunteer centres in Aotearoa New Zealand and have a Volunteer Development Management on our staff. Discover the volunteer centres we belong to here + Our strategic goals Our Strategic Goals Goal 1 Insight Endometriosis Our Strategic Goals 1/7 Our annual report Thank you to our partners and supporters Our disclaimer The information on this website reflects current evidence-based research from New Zealand and worldwide at the time of writing. While we endeavour to update as new information becomes available, Insight Endometriosis cannot guarantee or assume legal responsibility for the currency, accuracy, and completeness of the information. This website is for educational and support purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. A GP, gynaecologist, or specialist may provide new or different information that is more appropriate to an individual's needs and so Insight Endometriosis advises those seeking a diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment to consult their doctor or an appropriate medical professional. Insight Endometriosis is not responsible for the content of other parties that reference or are referenced from this website; such references should not be construed as endorsements. Any links to external websites are for your information only, and Insight Endometriosis cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained on this website is or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation by Insight Endometriosis. We encourage the distribution and sharing of information on this website to support those affected by endometriosis; please acknowledge Insight Endometriosis as the source. We support the Medical Council's statement that: "... patients may need to be reminded that internet research cannot take the place of a face-to-face consultation." Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today

Insight Endometriosis is a nationwide charity supporting people in NZ to make their own decisions about the treatment and management of their endometriosis Empowering People with Information and Support At Insight Endometriosis, we believe that everyone deserves access to accurate information and support when dealing with endometriosis. We are committed to empowering people to make decisions about their health by providing them with the resources they need to manage their condition and live their best lives. About endometriosis Support for you About us What is endometriosis? Endometriosis (pronounced en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis) is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows in locations such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, appendix, and other organs. It is a common chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition that has a significant impact on people's lives including pain and fertility problems as well as an impact on relationships, absenteeism from work and school, and, mental health. E ndometriosis is difficult to recognise and diagnose because people experience a wide range of symptoms that present with various configurations, plus symptoms can also be similar to many other conditions. Some people are relatively unaffected by the condition, while a great many others suffer severe pain and distress from problems associated with endometriosis. It tends to be a progressive condition - left untreated it tends to worsen over time with each menstrual period. Early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate symptoms and may preserve fertility. People with endometriosis and / or immune disorders in their family may be more likely to develop endometriosis. About endometriosis Diagnosing endometriosis Treatment & management Other conditions related to endometriosis How to tell if I have endometriosis? Pain around the time of your menstrual period or mid-cycle (ovulation) that affects your lifestyle, and /or fertility problems are symptoms of endometriosis. Symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person and are wide-ranging. Use one of our tools below to help determine whether you should seek medical advice. Our experienced educator is also available at any stage of your endometriosis journey for information and support. Complete a symptom checklist Colour in a jigsaw of symptoms Keep a symptom, pain and food journal Take our online quiz By being aware of endometriosis and with the right information you can invest in your wellbeing and understand how best to manage your symptoms. How we can support and help you We customise our information and support to meet your individual needs, at any time of your endometriosis journey - whether you suspect you have endometriosis, have a diagnosis, or have a whānau member, friend, or someone in your life that is experiencing endometriosis symptoms. Information and support can include: providing evidence-based information to empower decision making answering your questions talking to someone experience and knowledgeable learning to advocate for yourself with medical professionals and/or employers building confidence to talk to people in your life about your experience with endometriosis connecting with others going through a similar experience to you Our experience and knowledge include symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, pain management, nutrition, exercise, complementary therapies, treatment options, advocacy, mental well-being, fertility, other conditions related to endometriosis, and ongoing management of your endometriosis. You can reach out at any point in your endometriosis journey. We can connect with you by Zoom, phone, email, social media, or in person at our Hamilton centre. We take the time you need, we don't watch the clock. Reach out to us today and we will be in touch For general contact enquiries about our organisation, supporting our mahi or partnering with us please email info@insightendometriosis.org.nz For volunteering enquiries please email volunteer@insightendometriosis.org.nz "Insight Endometriosis has been a lifesaver for me. I finally feel like I have the resources and support I need to manage my condition." Samantha, Age 32 "Thank you Insight Endometriosis for all the work you do to support people with endometriosis. You are making a real difference in the lives of so many." Sarah, Age 28 Emily, Age 35 "I am so grateful for the support and resources I have found through Insight Endometriosis. Thank you for all you do!" Events to support and inform you No events at the moment Visit our Info Hub You can also download all of the information on this webpage in our FREE information guides, visit our info hub for the full range of guides. Visit our Info Hub today! Endometriosis Information Guide Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today

Discover the various methods and options available for endometriosis treatment. Find out what you need to know here Treating en dometriosis Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for someone living with the condition. Treatment for endometriosis at any given point will depend upon a range of factors including age, current symptoms, clinical history, the extent of the condition, co-morbidities, cultural considerations, and your preference and priorities which may include pain management and/or fertility. Surgical Treatment Hormonal Treatment Treatment Myths Managing Pain Surgical treatment A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that can diagnose and treat endometriosis and is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. It may be day surgery or an overnight stay in the hospital, or sometimes longer depending on the extent of the surgery and recovery. Performed under general anaesthetic by a gynaecologist with specialist surgical skills, laparoscopy is the preferred surgical treatment because the smaller incisions lead to quicker healing and faster recovery time. Highly skilled endometriosis surgeons can excise (remove) endometriosis, divide adhesions, check the patency of the fallopian tubes, and may be able to repair damage caused by endometriosis. Some studies have shown that following excision surgery the risk of recurrence can be significantly reduced with a long-term hormonal treatment, which may be a major consideration in the lifetime choice of therapies. Read here what happens during a laparoscopy + It's important if you have surgery that you understand how your surgeon will remove any endometriosis found. Excision surgery is the gold standard and, based on the surgeon's skill level, is the only surgical treatment that can fully remove endometriosis from locations. Excision surgery involves cutting the endometriosis out at the root and also includes removing healthy tissue surrounding the endometriosis. It's important to know that ablation surgery, which involves burning the surface layer of the endometriosis off, is no longer recommended by local guidelines. Learn about laparoscopies Discover what happens after surgery Find out how you can prepare for surgery Read about what recovery may be like Preparing for surgery Laparoscopic surgery is different for everyone, and your experience will be based on the extent of your surgery, length of stay, your surgeon, how you respond to pain, and your expectations. Each person also heals differently - recovery can take from a few days to several weeks. To help you prepare for surgery, ask questions and talk about any worries you have with your surgeon, anaesthetist, and the staff and nurses at the hospital. Laparoscopy in the public hospital system may be done on an outpatient basis, but an overnight stay or longer may be required depending on the time of day you have your surgery and whether the surgery is complex or lengthy. Here are some questions you may want to ask about your surgery and what answers to expect + Download our surgery packing list here Recovering from surgery Everyone recovers differently and how long it takes for you to recover can depend on the complexity of your surgery and how long it took. Read more about what happens when you wake up from surgery in hospital + You may be tired and groggy for 2-3 days following your laparoscopy. Soon after your surgery, you will be encouraged in the hospital to get up and move around. Make sure you continue to move around once you are at home, as this will help with recovery, and reduce the risk of adhesions (scar tissue). If you have an elevated temperature, and/or unusual discharge, or have any other concerns, contact the surgeon’s office or your GP, or head to an after-hours clinic. Walking is a great way to exercise after surgery, start with small walks and increase how long you are out for every few days. Around six weeks after your surgery you should be able to exercise as normal, but check with your health professionals. Your attitude towards post-operative recovery will help your body heal and how you feel in yourself. Menstrual periods after surgery You may find that your first few periods are painful, longer, and/or heavier than usual. If you are concerned about the pain, or if your pain is severe, contact your doctor. Follow up appointment Your surgeon may after your laparoscopy let you know what stage/classification of endometriosis they found during the procedure but you will also have a follow-up appointment, which is typically six weeks after surgery. At this follow-up appointment, you will talk about: how your recovery has been look at images from surgery give you the pathology results of the lesions excised and determine the stage/grade or category of your endometriosis ongoing treatment and a management plan, and your gynaecologist may recommend ongoing hormonal treatment to reduce the risk of further endometriosis (reoccurence) The commonly used American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Staging System divides endometriosis into four 'stages' or 'grades' according to the number of lesions, depth of infiltration, presence of ovarian cysts, and extent of adhesions. The stages can be useful to determine the complexity of the surgery, with stages III and IV requiring highly-skilled surgeons. Discover the ASRM stages/grades + The ASRM system scores often do not match the level of pain a person can be in and the Endometriosis Foundation of America proposes a different classification based on the type of endometriosis. Find out more about the Endometriosis Foundation of America categories + Hormonal treatment The aim of hormone treatments is to change the cycle of reproductive hormones to: control symptoms, especially pain improve quality of life significantly reduce risks of recurrence following excision surgery Your GP or gynaecologist may recommend hormonal treatments while you wait for surgery or if you do not want surgery. Some studies have shown that following surgery, endometriosis recurrence can be significantly reduced with long-term hormonal treatment. Some of these hormonal treatments are birth control (contraceptive) pills and its important to remember you might be prescribed these not for birth control reasons but to give you relief from your symptoms. The different types of hormonal treatments all work in very different ways. It’s important to understand the different hormonal treatments and talk to your doctor about the possible side effects and impacts of taking any treatments long term. Progestin-only options Progestin-only treatments that thin the endometrium may have a similar effect on endometriosis and may also directly reduce inflammation. They can be delivered in pill form as well as long-term intra-uterine and implantable devices, which can be combined if symptoms are not sufficiently controlled. Progestin-only contraceptive pill (POP / Minipill) Cerazette (Desogestrel) Microlut (Levonorgestrel) Noriday (Norethisterone) Minipills must be taken at about the same time each day to prevent periods (amenorrhoea). Cerazette also prevents ovulation, so can be good for endometrioma. It can be less time-sensitive, and is now fully funded. Other p rogestin medications Primolut (Norethisterone) Provera (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) Siterone (Cyproterone acetate) These medications are more usually prescribed for other conditions such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, skin and hair conditions. Intrauterine devices (IUD) Mirena Jaydess Intrauterine Devices are small T-shaped frames made from a pliable plastic placed inside the uterus (womb). Often prescribed for heavy periods, the devices contain the progestin Levonorgestrel which is slowly released over several years. As a treatment for endometriosis, Mirena typically lasts for three years and the smaller Jaydess for two years (as a contraceptive Mirena for five years and Jaydess for three years). IUDs are commonly fitted by Family Planning clinics, by some GP’s, and may be placed during surgery. Recent studies have shown that fertility quickly returns after removal. Implantable device (Jadelle) Jadelle uses the same progestin as the IUD’s (Levonorgestrel) and works similarly, but in the form of a pair of plastic rods inserted beneath the skin – generally on the inside of the upper arm. They have a similar lifetime to Mirena, but women over 60kg may find them less effective over time. They are commonly fitted by Family Planning clinics and by some GP’s. Choosing a hormonal treatment It’s important to discuss the various treatments with your doctor to choose the best option for you. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of treatments, and everyone's experience is different. It may take some time and trial and error to find the right combination for you. The best treatment combination for you may well change over your lifetime experience of endometriosis. Hormonal treatments are not a cure for endometriosis but they can relieve or stop symptoms but not the cause. Treatment Myths There is a lot of misinformation about various treatments for endometriosis and it is important to be aware of these myths. Hysterectomy is a cure Endometriosis is not a uterine condition so removing the uterus will not cure endometriosis. Hormonal treatment will stop endometriosis Hormonal treatments can manage many of the symptoms of endometriosis but treatments do not stop endometriosis lesions from growing or slow the growth of endometriosis down. Pregnancy is a cure Endometriosis symptoms may improve during pregnancy but they are likely to return following pregnancy when your menstrual period starts again. The improvement of symptoms during pregnancy may be due to the higher levels of progesterone but the exact reasons are unknown. Endometriosis will stop after menopause or after chemically induced menopause Endometriosis can remain active following menopause even when natural levels of oestrogen decline. The reason for this is unknown but may be due to endometriotic lesions producing their own oestrogen or the production of oestrogen in extra ovarian tissue fat. Visit our Info Hub You can also download all of the information on this webpage in our FREE information guides, visit our info hub for the full range of guides. Visit our Info Hub today! Treating Endometriosis Information Guide Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today Up

Endometriosis is a complex condition that has a significant impact on people's lives. It can be present in many areas of the body, including the uterus. Discover the common signs and symptoms, types of endometriosis and who can have endometriosis What is endometriosis Endometriosis (pronounced en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis) is a significant condition affecting 1 in 7 people assigned female at birth. Tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows elsewhere in the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic linings, bowel, bladder, appendix and other organs. This tissue grows in response to the monthly hormonal cycle, forming lesions, superficial patches, or endometrioma (ovarian cysts), which cause inflammation and adhesions (scar tissue). Symptoms of Endometriosis Causes of Endometriosis Types of Endometriosis Endometriosis is a significant condition *Endometriosis studies and research have only been conducted on women, but it is a condition that affects people of all genders and sexes Symptoms of endometriosis? There are many different symptoms of endometriosis and you do not need to have all of them to have endometriosis but the more symptoms you have, the more likely you have endometriosis. E ndometriosis is difficult to recognise and diagnose because people experience a wide range of symptoms that present with various configurations, plus symptoms can also be similar to many other conditions. Read more about other conditions endometriosis can be mistaken for + Take an online quiz Complete a symptom checklist Colour in a jigsaw of symptoms The most common symptoms of endometriosis include: pain that interferes with your life around the time of your menstrual period (dysmenorrhoea) pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia) pain in your pelvic region, lower back or legs pain during or around the time of ovulation painful urination (dysuria) fertility problems rectal pain problems with the bowel such as painful bowel movements, a bloated abdomen, constipation, or diarrhoea (often cyclical) constant tiredness depression, mood disturbances, PMS premenstrual spotting immune system issues painful smear tests Who can have endometriosis? People of all backgrounds and ages can have endometriosis, including teenagers. Endometriosis affects those of reproductive age, and can also occur before puberty, post-menopause, and in those who have had their uterus removed. Those with endometriosis and/or immune disorders in their family may be more likely to develop endometriosis. It is a condition that can get worse over time and with each menstrual period. Where does endometriosis grow? Endometriosis has been found in every part of the female human body and in some instances in males. Endometriosis is not a menstrual disease because it can happen with or without a uterus. It is a whole-body disease, not a gynaecological or woman's disease. Organs that are close to the uterus are more often affected by endometriosis such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, rectum, pouch of douglas, and appendix. What causes endometriosis? There are four different types of endometriosis that may be caused in different ways and therefore may require different treatments. The treatment you may receive from your medical professionals may depend on what theory they believe about the cause of endometriosis. The cause of endometriosis is not well understood with many theories but no medical agreement. The endocrine (hormonal) and immune systems are thought to be involved. Read more about the theorie s + Types of endometriosis There are three types of endometriosis, as well as adenomyosis (endometriosis within the uterus) What do you do if you suspect endometriosis? Everyone experiences symptoms of endometriosis and pain differently. If you suspect you have endometriosis it's a good idea to track your symptoms for 2-3 months and then talk to your GP or gynaecologist that specialises in endometriosis for a diagnosis. If you have private medical insurance you can refer yourself to see a gynaecologist in private practice. Find out more about the pathway to diagnosis A symptom diary can be useful to track pain, and other symptoms, their severity, and the effect on your life - as well as medicines you are taking, any lifestyle changes you have made (such as nutrition, exercise, pain/stress management), and complementary therapies you have tried. A symptom diary can reveal trends and the effectiveness of different strategies which will give you and your health professionals valuable information in reaching a diagnosis. It will also add to your feeling of control and your overall sense of well-being. You can use an app, make notes on your phone, or track things on paper. Here are a range of tools that can help you track your symptoms: Use a Symptoms, Pain and Food Tracker Complete a symptom checklist Colour in a jigsaw of symptoms Visit our Info Hub You can also download all of the information on this webpage in our FREE information guides, visit our info hub for the full range of guides. Visit our Info Hub today! Endometriosis Information Guide Conditions Related to Endometriosis Information Guide Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today Up

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Spanish Information Hub ¡Gracias por visitar nuestro centro de información! En Insight Endometriosis, creemos que todos merecen acceso a información precisa y apoyo cuando se trata de endometriosis. Toda la información de esta página es gratuita y descargable. Guías de información Estamos trabajando para traducir nuestras guías de información al español para usted; mientras tanto, descargue nuestras guías en inglés. El propósito de estas guías informativas es brindarle conocimientos sobre endometriosis, adenomiosis y/o afecciones relacionadas con la endometriosis, ya sea que sospeche que tiene endometriosis, tenga un diagnóstico de endometriosis o tenga un miembro, amigo o alguien de whānau en su vida que está experimentando síntomas de endometriosis. Es importante recordar que la experiencia de la endometriosis de cada persona es diferente y estas guías informativas brindan información basada en evidencia, así como consejos útiles de quienes han vivido la experiencia de la endometriosis. Para ver y descargar las guías, haga clic en la portada a continuación. Le invitamos a compartir estas guías de información, pero tenga en cuenta que todas las guías de información tienen licencia CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Para ver una copia de esta licencia, visite: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Rastreadores y rompecabezas Estamos trabajando para traducir nuestros rastreadores y rompecabezas al español para usted; mientras tanto, descargue nuestros rastreadores y rompecabezas en inglés. Consulte nuestro rastreador de síntomas, dolor y alimentos, así como nuestros rompecabezas en los que puede colorear sus síntomas para ayudar a determinar si tiene endometriosis y/o adenomiosis. Folleto de endometriosis Vea y descargue nuestro folleto informativo sobre endometriosis. Endometriosis y COVID-19 Estamos trabajando para traducir nuestras guías informativas sobre COVID-19 y autoaislamiento con endometriosis al español para usted; mientras tanto, descargue nuestras guías en inglés. El COVID-19 y la vacunación han impactado las vidas de todos en Nueva Zelanda y en todo el mundo. Insight Endometriosis cree en la información basada en evidencia que permite a las personas tomar decisiones por sí mismas con respecto a su salud y su trayectoria en la endometriosis. Hemos recopilado información sobre la vacuna COVID-19, Pfizer y AstraZeneca para potenciar tu toma de decisiones. También hemos elaborado una guía informativa sobre el autoaislamiento y la endometriosis. Sabemos que el autoaislamiento puede traer algunos desafíos y tener un plan puede ayudar a aliviar el estrés, ayudar a una recuperación sin problemas y puede tener en cuenta cómo controlar los síntomas de la endometriosis mientras tiene COVID-19. Estos tiempos de incertidumbre pueden afectar tu bienestar mental. Es importante recordar que si no se siente bien, existen muchos tipos diferentes de ayuda disponibles. Tenemos una variedad de información y herramientas en nuestro sitio web que pueden ser útiles no solo durante estos tiempos de incertidumbre debido al COVID-19 sino a lo largo de su viaje hacia la endometriosis. Únase a nosotros en nuestra misión de empoderar a las personas con endometriosis y mejorar las vidas de miles en Aotearoa, Nueva Zelanda Confiamos en el apoyo de nuestra comunidad para brindar los recursos y el apoyo que las personas con endometriosis necesitan. Hay muchas maneras de involucrarse y marcar la diferencia, desde hacer una donación hasta ofrecer su tiempo como voluntario. Apoye nuestro trabajo hoy

Find out how you can be involved with Insight Endometriosis and support people with endometriosis, diagnosed or suspected Support us and get involved We need your help to provide information, resources, and support for people with endometri osis, diagnosed or suspected. From donating, fundraising, partnering or volunteering, you are an essential part of what we do. Together, we can ensure that anyone can get accurate information and support when dealing with endometriosis. Donate Volunteer Legacy Gift Fundraise Shop Partner Donate Insight Endometriosis is a charitable trust and whether you give a little or a lot, every donation helps to provide our free services to New Zealanders impacted by endometriosis. Make a one-off donation, or become a regular donor. Regular donations are important because they provide us with funding that we can rely on, enabling us to plan each year and continue to provide support to people that suspect they have, or are diagnosed, with endometriosis. Other ways to donate Gift to us Ask family and friends to help you celebrate your birthday, anniversary or even wedding day with a donation to Insight Endometriosis instead of presents. Your gift and their gift can make a real difference to people living with endometriosis and ensure they get information and support throughout their journey. Gift to us your donations Gift in memory Remember a loved one and ask for donations towards a funeral collection. Pay tribute by asking people to share their memories when they make a gift to support people with endometriosis. Please let us know if you would like donation buckets for the funeral collection. You can also use envelopes that family and friends can use to make private donations in person. Donate funds raised in memory Leave a legacy gift Do something amazing today that will make a difference tomorrow. By setting up a gift in your will you can make a long-lasting difference and provide hope to those living with endometriosis. Including a gift in your will helps us plan for a future where people with endometriosis needing support can access it. Find out more about legacy gifts Give through payroll Payroll giving is a great opportunity to donate directly from your pay to Insight Endometriosis. It's an easy and generous way to give regularly. Your employer deducts the donation from your pay and forwards the donation on to us. You don't have to worry about holding onto receipts each year and making rebate claims. Ask your employer or payer if they offer a Payroll Giving scheme and if they do let them know how much you want to donate and our information. Get our information for your employer Claim a tax credit for your donation Did you know that your donations are tax deductible? Insight Endometriosis is a Registered Charity, so you can claim a 33.3% tax rebate for your charitable donations over $5 and you can also choose to donate that rebate on to us! Just log in to your secure Inland Revenue online service, myIR, and upload the donation receipts you received from us online at any time. Inland Revenue will then automatically calculate the credit and pay it into the bank account you have provided them with. So you do not have to complete a paper form at the end of the tax year! We would love to thank you and acknowledge your donation, so please email fundraising@insightendometriosis.org.nz to advise us of your donation. Fundraise Whether it's a sporting challenge, sausage sizzle, or something of your creation, you can make a big difference to someone with endometriosis and have a great time doing it! Giving your time and energy to fundraise can be rewarding and fun, especially if you get friends and family involved. Let us know about your fundraiser, we love hearing about what is happening in our community and would also love to share with others how you've helped people with endometriosis access information and support. You've done something amazing by fundraising for us so please don't stumble at the last hurdle! Make sure those hard-earned dollars get to us, and find out how more about paying in your fundraiser here + Volunteer Volunteers are the foundation of our organisation and are a huge benefit to the endometriosis community through the time, knowledge, and expertise they offer. Discover the volunteer centres we belong to here + However you choose to work with us you can make a big impact and difference, such as spreading the word about endometriosis and our services, raising awareness at expos, delivering posters, lending your professional expertise, assisting with support, or helping people navigate our services. Discover our current volunteer vacancies but we would love to hear from you even if one of these roles doesn't appeal to you at the moment + Register your interest in volunteer here Shop Support us by purchasing an Entertainment Digital Membership. Get your Entertainment Digital Membership here + Partner Endometriosis affects 1 in 7 people born with a uterus. A significant condition that causes pain, fatigue social isolation, and in some cases infertility. These are people - your people. Your staff, your customers, your community. Make a difference by partnering with us and helping us to raise awareness of endometriosis. Your support will provide information, emotional and practical support to people with endometriosis and to continue this work, we need more businesses and community groups. Find out how you can help us here + We can also help you. We have a strong presence in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty as a supportive and informed trust since 1999. We are a well-respected, effective, and growing charity, that every day makes a tangible difference to the lives of those with endometriosis. With 1 in 7 people affected and endometriosis being a long-term condition, we have a passionate, long-term network of supporters that we regularly connect with through our website, social channels, newsletters, and our network of contacts across Aotearoa New Zealand. If you would like to learn more about partnering with us, and how we can help engage your team members and show your community that you are supporting people with endometriosis, we'd love to hear from you. Email us today about partnering Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today

Information and support to meet your needs. Get endometriosis information, have your questions answered about endo, talk to someone experienced and knowledgeable, build your confidence talking to people and connect with others going through a similar experience to you Support and Information for You At Insight Endometriosis, we believe that everyone deserves access to accurate information and support when dealing with endometriosis. We offer a range of free information, resources, and support for people with endometriosis, diagnosed or suspected. We are committed to empowering you to make decisions about your health by providing you with the resources you need to manage your condition and live your best lives. How we can support and help you We customise our information and support to meet your individual needs, at any time of your endometriosis journey - whether you suspect you have endometriosis, have a diagnosis, or have a whānau member, friend, or someone in your life that is experiencing endometriosis symptoms. Reach out to us today and we will be in touch Information and support that you want... Our range of information and support can include: providing you with evidence-based information to empower your decision-making answering your questions talking to someone experienced and knowledgeable learning to advocate for yourself with medical professionals and/or employers building your confidence to talk to people in your life about your experience with endometriosis connecting with others going through a similar experience to you from experienced and knowledgeable people We know and understand endometriosis and can provide you with information and support about symptoms diagnosis hormonal treatment surgical diagnosis and treatment pain management nutrition exercise complementary therapies advocacy mental well-being fertility other conditions related to endometriosis ongoing management of your endometriosis Connect with us You can reach out at any point in your endometriosis journey. We can connect with you by Zoom, phone, email, social media, or in person at our Hamilton centre. We take the time you need, we don't watch the clock. How do you get the support and help you need? Select the button below to complete our contact form. One of our volunteer Service Navigator's will be in touch, using your preferred contact method to offer the right support services. Get the individualised information and support you need. Our Service Navigator will then follow up with you and check how things are going. Please complete our contact form and let us know what you need! "Insight Endometriosis has been a lifesaver for me. I finally feel like I have the resources and support I need to manage my condition." Samantha, Age 32 "Thank you Insight Endometriosis for all the work you do to support people with endometriosis. You are making a real difference in the lives of so many." Sarah, Age 28 Emily, Age 35 "I am so grateful for the support and resources I have found through Insight Endometriosis. Thank you for all you do!" Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Tagalog Information Hub Salamat sa pagbisita sa aming info hub! Sa Insight Endometriosis, naniniwala kami na ang lahat ay karapat-dapat na maka-access ng tamang impormasyon at suporta kapag nakikipaglaban sa endometriosis. Ang lahat ng impormasyon sa pahinang ito ay libre at maaaring i-download. Mga Gabay sa Impormasyon Nagsusumikap kami sa pagsasalin ng aming mga gabay na impormasyon sa Tagalog para sa inyo. Sa pansamantala, maaaring i-download muna ang aming mga gabay sa Ingles. Ang layunin ng mga gabay sa impormasyong ito ay bigyan ka ng kaalaman tungkol sa endometriosis, adenomyosis, at/o mga kundisyong kaugnay ng endometriosis - kung ikaw ay may suspetsa na may endometriosis ka, mayroon nang diagnosis ng endometriosis, o may kilala sa pamilya, kaibigan, o mayroong taong nakakaranas ng mga sintomas ng endometriosis sa iyong buhay. Mahalagang tandaan na ang karanasan ng bawat tao sa endometriosis ay magkakaiba at ang mga gabay sa impormasyong ito ay nagbibigay ng impormasyong batay sa ebidensya, pati na rin ang mga kapaki-pakinabang na payo mula sa mga taong may karanasang nagmula sa endometriosis. Upang tingnan at i-download ang mga gabay, i-click ang pabalat sa ibaba. Inaanyayahan ka naming ibahagi ang mga gabay na ito ng impormasyon ngunit pakitandaan na ang lahat ng mga gabay sa impormasyon ay lisensyado sa ilalim ng CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Upang tingnan ang kopya ng lisensyang ito, bisitahin ang: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Mga Tagasubaybay at Itinaas ng Jigsaw Nagsusumikap kami sa pagsasalin ng aming mga tracker at jigsaw sa Tagalog para sa inyo. Sa pansamantala, maaaring i-download muna ang aming mga tracker at jigsaw sa Ingles. Tingnan ang aming mga tracker para sa mga sintomas, sakit, at pagkain pati na rin ang aming mga puzzle na maaari mong kulayan sa iyong mga sintomas upang makatulong na malaman kung ikaw ay mayroong endometriosis at/o adenomyosis. Brochure ng Endometriosis Tingnan at i-download ang aming mga information brochure tungkol sa endometriosis. Endometriosis at COVID-19 Nagsusumikap kami sa pagsasalin ng aming mga information guide sa COVID-19 at self-isolating na may endometriosis sa Tagalog para sa inyo. Sa pansamantala, maaaring i-download muna ang aming mga gabay sa Ingles. Ang COVID-19 at ang bakunasyon ay nakaimpluwensya sa buhay ng lahat sa New Zealand at sa buong mundo. Ang Insight Endometriosis ay naniniwala sa impormasyong nakabatay sa ebidensya na nagbibigay-kapangyarihan sa mga tao na gumawa ng mga desisyon para sa kanilang sarili tungkol sa kanilang kalusugan at paglalakbay sa endometriosis. Nag-compile kami ng impormasyon tungkol sa COVID-19, ang bakunang Pfizer, at AstraZeneca upang palakasin ang inyong pagdedesisyon. Nag-ipon din kami ng information guide tungkol sa self-isolating at endometriosis. Alam namin na ang self-isolation ay maaaring magdala ng ilang mga hamon, at ang pagkakaroon ng plano ay maaaring makatulong upang mabawasan ang stress, tumulong sa isang maayos na paggaling, at maaaring makatulong kung paano pamahalaan ang mga sintomas ng iyong endometriosis habang ikaw ay may COVID-19. Ang mga panahong hindi tiyak ay maaaring makaapekto sa iyong kalusugan sa pag-iisip. Mahalagang tandaan na kung hindi maayos ang pakiramdam mo, maraming iba't ibang uri ng tulong ang available. Mayroon kaming iba't ibang impormasyon at kagamitan sa aming website na maaaring makatulong, hindi lamang sa panahon ng hindi tiyak na ito dahil sa COVID-19, kundi sa buong paglalakbay mo sa endometriosis. Samahan kami sa aming misyon na bigyang kapangyarihan ang mga taong may endometriosis at pagbutihin ang buhay ng libu-libo sa Aotearoa New Zealand. Umaasa kami sa suporta ng aming komunidad upang magbigay ng mga mapagkukunan at suporta na kailangan ng mga taong may endometriosis. Maraming paraan para makibahagi at gumawa ng pagbabago, mula sa pagbibigay ng donasyon hanggang sa pagboboluntaryo ng iyong oras. Suportahan ang aming trabaho ngayon.

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Russian Information Hub Спасибо, что посетили наш информационный центр! В Insight Endometriosis мы считаем, что каждый заслуживает доступа к точной информации и поддержке при лечении эндометриоза. Вся информация на этой странице бесплатна и доступна для скачивания. Информационные руководства Мы работаем над переводом наших информационных руководств на русский язык, а пока скачайте наши руководства на английском языке. Цель информационных руководств — предоставить знания об эндометриозе, аденомиозе и состояниях, связанных с эндометриозом — вне зависимости от тог, подозреваете ли вы, что у вас эндометриоз, либо у вас или у кого-то из ваших близких диагностирован эндометриоз. Важно помнить, что опыт лечения эндометриоза у каждого человека различен, и в этих информационных руководствах представлена научно обоснованная информация, а также полезные советы от тех, кто пережил эндометриоз. Чтобы просмотреть и загрузить руководства, нажмите на ссылку ниже. Мы приглашаем вас поделиться этими информационными руководствами, но обратите внимание, что все информационные руководства лицензируются по лицензии CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Чтобы просмотреть копию этой лицензии, посетите: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Трекеры, позволяющие отслеживать динамику Мы работаем над переводом трекеров на русский язык, а пока скачайте наши трекеры на английском языке. Ознакомьтесь, пожалуйста, с трекером симптомов, приступов боли и питания, а также с таблицей наблюдений, в которые можно заполнить выявленными симптомами, что позволит выяснить, есть ли у вас эндометриоз и/или аденомиоз. Брошюра по эндометриозу Просмотрите и загрузите информационную брошюру об эндометриозе. Эндометриоз и COVID-19 Мы работаем над переводоминформационных руководств по COVID-19 и самоизоляции при эндометриозе на русский язык, а пока скачайте наши руководства на английском языке. COVID-19 и вакцинация от COVID-19 от повлияли на жизнь каждого человека в Новой Зеландии и во всем мире. Insight Endometriosis верит в научно обоснованную информацию, которая позволяет людям самим принимать решения относительно своего здоровья и борьбы с эндометриозом. Мы собрали информацию о вакцинации против COVID-19: Pfizer и AstraZeneca, чтобы помочь вам принять решение. Также мы составили информационный справочник по самоизоляции и эндометриозу. Мы знаем, что самоизоляция может вызвать некоторые проблемы, и наличие плана может помочь облегчить стресс, оказать содействие плавному выздоровлению и учитывать, как справиться с симптомами эндометриоза во время заражения COVID-19. Текущие нестабильные времена могут повлиять на ваше психическое благополучие. Важно помнить, что если вы плохо себя чувствуете, существует множество различных видов помощи. На нашем веб-сайте есть ряд информации об инструментах, которые могут быть полезны не только в эти неопределенные времена из-за COVID-19, но и на протяжении всего вашего пути выздоровления от эндометриоза. Присоединяйтесь к нашей миссии по расширению возможностей людей с эндометриозом и улучшению жизни тысяч людей в Новая Зеландии. Мы полагаемся на поддержку нашего сообщества, чтобы предоставить ресурсы и поддержку, необходимые людям с эндометриозом. Существует большое количество способов принять участие и изменить ситуацию: от внесения пожертвований до волонтерства. Поддержите нашу работу сегодня

Self-advocacy is about being able to ask for what you need and want. It's making choices and decisions that affect your life. Many people with endometriosis find they have to advocate for their treament. Learn more and how to talk to people in your life about endo Advocating for yourself and communicating with people in your life. When you have endometriosis, suspected or diagnosed, being able to advocate for yourself and communicate with the people in your life about how endometriosis is impacting you is important so that they can have compassion for what you are experiencing and provide support and practical help you may need. Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself, about the things that are important to you. It’s about being able to ask for what you need and want. Self-advocacy is making choices and decisions that affect your life and carrying out a plan to help you get there. When can you advocate How do you advocate When advocacy doesn't work Why is self-advocacy important? Self-advocacy helps to empower you, to speak up for yourself and make decisions about your life. When you have good self-advocacy skills you can have more control and make the life decisions that are best for you. It can be fundamental to both asserting yourself and exploring yourself. This is important because it is directly linked to building confidence and self-esteem. Self-advocacy allows you to achieve the things you want from life. Being a self-advocate means you will: improve your self-confidence and self-esteem gain dignity and self-respect have the strength to guard against exploitation and abuse have power as an individual with rights. How do you advocate for yourself? Advocating is a learned skill which involves figuring out what your own needs are and how you want those needs to be met. It's then about communicating those needs to other people and letting them know how they can meet them. Advocacy Tip 1 Believe in yourself You are worth the effort it takes to advocate for yourself and protect your rights. You have the authority to be the expert on your life and nobody else knows how you feel or what you think. Advocacy Tip 2 Know your rights Te Whatu Ora New Zealand and the Health and Disability Commissioner provide information about your rights when accessing healthcare. Their websites are a good place to start, but you might need to make a few phone calls to find the specific information or support that applies to your situation. Find out about the code of rights Advocacy Tip 3 Decide what you want Think about what you want and need, and set yourself goals that will help you be clear to others about what it is that you want and need for yourself. Advocacy Tip 4 Get the facts Quality information is important to your self-advocacy, so expect to spend time gathering information and facts, to ensure you are confident about what you are talking about or asking for. While the internet can be a useful source of information, make sure you are looking at reputable websites. You can also check with people who have expertise in what you are considering, ask others who have been in a similar situation to you, check references in the library, and contact reputable organisations for information and support. Advocacy Tip 5 Plan your strategy Use the information you have gathered and plan a strategy that you feel will work to get what you need and want for yourself. Think of several ways to address the problem. It may be helpful to ask those you trust for suggestions and for feedback on your ideas. When can you advocate for yourself Self-advocacy can look like asking your doctor why they are ordering a test, prescribing a medication, or giving a recommendation. It can also be sending back the plate with tomatoes because you asked for no tomatoes instead of accepting it and picking them out. Or asking for the right-sized blood pressure cuff if the one being used fits poorly. You can advocate for yourself when you're face-to-face with someone, on the phone, and even in writing to ask for service, request information, present facts, or express your opinion. Read our tips for advocacy during face-to-face meeting, on the phone, and in writing + The challenges of self-advocacy Self-advocacy can be challenging for many different reasons including: low self-esteem or a lack of belief in yourself a fear of upsetting others or retaliation lack of knowledge, information, services and/or support other people's response cultural barriers Self-advocay is a learnt behaviour and with practice your confidence will build. Start with small things and with people you feel safe with. What happens if self-advocacy doesn't work? There may be times that you are not satisfied with the result of a phone call or meeting, here are some suggestions of things you can do next: Ask why the person cannot help you. Write down the answer. Ask for another person or agency that may be able to help you. If you have been treated unfairly, take action to defend your rights - address the issue directly with the person who has treated you unfairly. If necessary, talk to the person's immediate supervisor. Your complaint will seem more credible if you appeal one level at a time. Stay calm and respectful and focus on the problem. Remember you have the authority to be the expert on your life. Nobody else knows how you feel or what you think; you need to tell people if you are not happy or you want something to change. If you are not happy with the way something is done there are things you can do to advocate for change. Consumer code of rights When you use a health or disability service in Aotearoa New Zealand, you have the protection of the Code of Health & Disability Services’ Consumers’ Rights and when communicating with health professionals, it can help to understand the Code of Rights as well as the guidance about informed consent from the Medical Council. Read the Code of Rights here + Being fully informed and giving informed consent A key aspect of living with a long-term, chronic condition like endometriosis is basing your treatment decisions on having the correct information about your condition, the treatment and management options available to you, and being told what is being done to you and why (Right 6: The right to be fully informed). When you are fully informed you can then make decisions about your treatment and management that are right for you and give informed consent (Right 7: The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent). Under the Code of Rights, health professionals are responsible for ensuring they fully inform you, by communicating and working with you to ensure you understand (Right 5: The right to effective communication). Consent is an interactive process, not a one-off event. Obtaining consent is a process of shared decision-making where your health professional should be helping you to understand your medical condition and the options for treating (or not treating) your condition. Consent is more than signing forms and completing paperwork. Your health professional should be taking the time to ask you questions so that they understand what matters to you, and what your concerns, wishes, goals, and values are and taking the time to answer any questions you have. Your health professional must give you the information you need to help you make a fully-informed decision by: Sharing information that is relevant to you, in a way you understand, and allows reasonable time for you to make your decision. Thinking about whether there is anything else they can do to make it easier for you to consider the different options and make a fully informed decision. Covering options available including those that they may not be able to provide themselves. Being open and honest and answering questions accurately. Including an explanation of your condition, the options available, and the results of tests and procedures. Note that similar principles apply to you as the patient: You are the expert on your life, your concerns, wishes, goals, and values. You are a partner in shared decision-making so have an equal role in communication. Be open and honest and answer questions accurately. Take the time to ask relevant questions so you understand your condition, the options available, and the results of tests and treatments. Talking about endometriosis and asking for help There are many people in your life that you may want to talk to about endometriosis but it can be hard opening up and sharing about how symptoms are impacting you. What we say, how we say it, and what we mean by it are extremely important, and can be life-changing. Some skills and attributes can be learned to support good communication, and two key skills and attributes are the use of "I" statements, and active listening. Read more about "I" statements and active listening here + Asking for help can be hard, but w hen you have a chronic condition it is so important not only for your physical health but also your mental and emotional wellbeing. Get our tips for asking for help and getting a yes response here + Talking to whānau and friends The people closest to you can sometimes be the hardest to talk to but it is important whānau and friends have a clear understanding of how endometriosis is impacting you. This can include understanding symptoms, treatments, side effects from medications and how these are affecting your life, as well as lifestyle changes you would like to implement. Your whānau and friends may have questions about endometriosis - to answer them, educate yourself first about endometriosis. You may want to look at the information on our website or have our information guides available to refer to during your conversation. Start by choosing the right time and place to talk to your family or friend, a place where you can be alone and without any distractions. Start by explaining what endometriosis is and advise them of reputable websites they can look at for their own research and information. If you are comfortable, share your symptoms, treatment, and management plan. Listen to your family and friends as they express their emotions, worries, or questions they may have. Endometriosis can have an emotional and mental impact on those close to you. Endometriosis, you and your partner Endometriosis can impact your relationship with your partner in many different ways. Every person is affected differently by endometriosis, but painful sex (known as dyspareunia) is a common symptom and experience, affecting 60% of those with endometriosis. Painful intercourse can disrupt your sex life, resulting in a loss of intimacy, and can cause a strain on your relationship. Read more about endometriosis and your sex life here + 40% of people with endometriosis also experience fertility problems which can be very difficult and distressing for both partners and can cause strain on the relationship. You may find that your plans for having children are affected in many ways, for example, some couples might try to have children earlier than they would otherwise have done due to endometriosis. Some couples may decide to explore interventions such as IVF, or other options such as adoption or fostering, or may choose not to have children. Learn more about endometriosis and fertility here + If endometriosis is new to your partner or new to you, your partner will likely have questions about how endometriosis is impacting you and your relationship. To answer them accurately educate yourself first on the condition. You may also want to discuss with your doctor or specialist whether your endometriosis could affect your fertility. Choose the right time to have the conversation with your partner. Find a time when you can be alone and without any distractions. If you are comfortable about sharing your symptoms, and frequency of these, this can give an understanding of what you experience regularly. Be honest with your partner about your pain, and what can trigger your endometriosis symptoms. Also, consider sharing your treatment and management plan. Be supportive and intently listen to your partner as they express their emotions, worries, or any questions they may have. Everyone copes in different ways but some things can help you and your partner to better cope with the impact of endometriosis on your relationship such as extending kindness to yourself and your partner. Find out how communicating effectively with your partner can help you both cope better + Endometriosis and your employment Endometriosis can impact your ability to work, if you are already in employment a good employer will be mindful of staff wellbeing. To ensure you are well and productive in your work, it may be helpful to talk to your employer about your endometriosis. Read our guidelines on talking to your employer about your endometriosis, whether it's suspected, a new diagnosis, or something you have been living with for a while here + If you are applying for a new job and have endometriosis it can help to understand employment law and best practice. Learn about your rights and responsibilities here when applying for a job + Endometriosis and study It can be hard to know what to share with your teachers and place of education, but to make the most of your studies it’s important to explain the impact of endometriosis and the support you need. You may want to ask your doctor or endometriosis specialist to write your place of education a letter explaining how the condition can affect you and your life and use this to guide your conversation. Talking to your teacher/s step 1 Meet with key staff at your place of education along with a support person, such as a parent, member of your whānau, or friend who can help with your self-advocacy. There are going to be some days that you feel unable to attend your place of education due to pelvic pain, fatigue, or other endometriosis symptoms. Establish with your parent/guardian the criteria for staying home and what is tolerable and intolerable for you. Make sure you are getting good quality sleep and getting up early enough to get ready for school, have a sustaining breakfast, and take your medication. Here are some other ideas to support you and your studying: A home tutor may help you keep up with missed work and ensure you are not overwhelmed. Keep an extra set of books at home to reduce your daily backpack load. If the distance between rooms is impacting, request extra time to get to class. Adjust your schedule to give you study or rest periods during the day and still meet academic requirements. Connect with Disability Support, Stress Counselling or other services at your place of study. They can help to co-ordinate support across your studies and help with your self-advocacy.. For Secondary Studies, Te Kura offer quality distance education through to NCEA level 3. Find out more on their website: https://www.tekura.school.nz/ Consider completing studies on a part-time basis: it might be better to complete studies over a longer period than to have to drop out and risk not completing them at all. When people in your life try to 'fix' things It's natural for your whānau, friends, or partner to try and find practical solutions and want to 'fix' things for you. You may talk about changing treatment, surgical options, hormonal therapies, altering your diet, or changing work patterns. However, practical solutions are not always possible or effective, in which case expressing emotions and changing the way you all think and feel about endometriosis can be very helpful. This might include things like: Focusing on endometriosis as something to be managed rather than cured. Acknowledging and addressing the ways the condition affects you and the person in your life. Allowing yourself and the person to express and talk through negative emotions. Trying to feel more optimistic about the future or conversely trying to be more accepting of the situation and a new way of life. It may help to let the person know that you feel that they are trying to 'fix' things for you and that you appreciate that this comes from a place of care and love but it isn't helping as these practical solutions aren't possible or effective. Sometimes even saying "I just want to talk, you don't need to 'fix' anything, just listen" can be a great way of starting conversations. You can also try letting them know of ways they can support you instead. You can get ideas here of how the people in your life can support you here + Instead of saying "I'm fine" We're constantly asked "how are you" in our lives, and often our response is "I'm fine" but when you have endometriosis or a chronic illness you often are not fine so how do you answer "how are you"? Here are some things you can say instead of "I'm fine". This gives people a choice in when you share with them vs. 'emotional dumping'. You also don't need to say anything and change the subject to something you feel comfortable discussing. It's normal to not feel like sharing, answering questions, or be comfortable responding to certain people. You can set conversational boundaries without being rude. Change the subject to something else that you feel more comfortable discussing, or ask the other person something about them. Visit our Info Hub You can also download all of the information on this webpage in our FREE information guides, visit our info hub for the full range of guides. Visit our Info Hub today! Self Advocay with Medical Professionals Information Guide Talking About Endometriosis Information Guide Fertility and Endometriosis in New Zealand Information Guide Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today Up

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Japanese 情報ハブ 情報ハブを訪れていただき、ありがとうございます。 弊団体では、誰もが子宮内膜症に対処する際に正確な情報とサポートにアクセスできる権利があると信じています。 このページにある情報はすべて無料でダウンロード可能です。どうぞお気軽にご利用ください。 情報ガイド 情報ガイドの和訳に取り組んでいます。その間、英語のガイドをご覧ください。 以下の情報ガイドは、子宮内膜症、子宮腺筋症、および関連する疾患についての知識を提供し、あなたに力を与えることを目指しています。子宮内膜症を疑っている方、すでに診断されている方、またはあなた自身や家族や知人に子宮内膜症や子宮腺筋症の症状がある方に関連情報を提供することで、あなたの力づけを図っています。 子宮内膜症の経験は人それぞれ異なることを覚えておくことが重要です。この情報ガイドは、根拠に基づいた情報と、子宮内膜症の経験がある方々からのアドバイスを提供しています。 ガイドを閲覧およびダウンロードするには、以下の表紙をクリックしてください。 これらの情報ガイドの共有は歓迎しますが、すべての情報ガイドは CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 ライセンスに基づいていることに注意してください。このライセンスのコピーを表示するには、http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ にアクセスしてください。 ラッカーとジグソー 現在、トラッカーとジグソーを日本語に翻訳中です。それまでは、英語版をダウンロードしてください。 子宮内膜症や子宮腺筋症があるかどうかを判断するのに役立つ、症状、痛み、食事のトラッカーや、症状を色分けできるジグソーパズルをチェックしてください。 子宮内膜症のパンフレット 子宮内膜症に関する情報パンフレットを閲覧したり、ダウンロードしてください。 子宮内膜症とCOVID-19 新型コロナウイルス感染症（COVID-19）と子宮内膜症による自己隔離に関する情報ガイドの和訳に取り組んでいます。その間、英語のガイドをご覧ください。 COVID-19とワクチン接種は、ニュージーランドや世界中のすべての人々の生活に影響を与えています。 Insight Endometriosisは、人々が自分の健康と子宮内膜症への取り組みについて自分自身で決定できるようにする、根拠に基づいた情報を信じています。皆様の意思決定を支援するために、COVID-19やファイザー、アストラゼネカのワクチン接種に関する情報をまとめました。 また、自己隔離と子宮内膜症に関する情報ガイドも作成しました。自己隔離はいくつかの課題をもたらすことがあることを理解しており、計画を立てることでストレスを軽減し、スムーズな回復を助け、COVID-19を患っている間に子宮内膜症の症状をどのように管理するかを考えることができます。 COVID-19による不確かな時期は、精神的な健康に影響を与える可能性があります。もし気分が良くない場合は、いろんな種類の支援が利用できることを覚えておくことが大切です。このウェブサイトには、COVID-19によるこの不安定な時期だけでなく、子宮内膜症の経験全般で役立つさまざまな情報やリソースが掲載されています。 アオテアロア・ニュージーランドにおいて、子宮内膜症を患う人々に力を与え、何千人もの人々の生活を改善する私たちの使命に参加してください。 子宮内膜症の人々が必要とするリソースとサポートを提供するために、私たちはコミュニティの支援に頼っています。寄付をしたり、時間をボランティアに費やしたりするなど、参加して変化をもたらす方法はたくさんあります。 今日から支援する

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Vietnamese Trung tâm thông tin Cảm ơn bạn đã ghé thăm trung tâm thông tin của chúng tôi! Tại Insight Endometriosis, chúng tôi tin rằng mọi người đều xứng đáng được tiếp cận thông tin chính xác và được hỗ trợ liên quan bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung. Tất cả thông tin trên trang này là miễn phí và bạn có thể tải xuống. Thông tin hướng dẫn Các thông tin hướng dẫn chúng tôi đang được dịch sang tiếng Việt, trong khi chờ đợi, vui lòng tải xuống hướng dẫn bằng tiếng Anh của chúng tôi. Mục đích của những thông tin này là cung cấp cho bạn kiến thức về bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung và/hoặc các tình trạng liên quan đến lạc nội mạc tử cung - cho dù bạn nghi ngờ mình bị lạc nội mạc tử cung, được chẩn đoán mắc bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung hay có người thân, bạn bè hoặc bất kì ai mà bạn quen biết đang gặp phải các triệu chứng lạc nội mạc tử cung. Điều quan trọng cần nhớ là mỗi người có những triệu chứng bệnh khác nhau và những hướng dẫn này cung cấp thông tin dựa trên bằng chứng cũng như những lời khuyên hữu ích từ những người đã từng mắc phải căn bệnh này. Để xem và tải hướng dẫn, hãy nhấp vào trang bên dưới. We welcome you to share these information guides but please note that all of the information guides are licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Công cụ theo dõi và hình ghép Các công cụ theo dõi và hình ghép của chúng tôi đang được dịch sang tiếng Việt, trong khi chờ đợi, vui lòng tải xuống các công cụ theo dõi và hình ghép của chúng tôi bằng tiếng Anh. Hãy xem các triệu chứng, cơn đau, công cụ theo dõi thức ăn cũng như các hình ghép mà bạn có thể tô màu vào các triệu chứng của mình để giúp xác định xem bạn có bị lạc nội mạc tử cung và/hoặc u tuyến thượng thận hay không. Thông tin về Lạc nội mạc tử cung Xem và tải thông tin của chúng tôi về lạc nội mạc tử cung. Lạc nội mạc tử cung và COVID-19 Chúng tôi đang dịch sang tiếng Việt các thông tin hướng dẫn về COVID-19 và cách tự cách ly với bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung, trong khi chờ đợi, vui lòng tải xuống hướng dẫn bằng tiếng Anh của chúng tôi. COVID-19 và việc tiêm chủng đã ảnh hưởng đến cuộc sống của mọi người ở New Zealand và trên toàn cầu. Insight Endometriosis tin rằng thông tin dựa trên bằng chứng cho phép mọi người tự đưa ra quyết định về sức khỏe và hành trình trải qua căn bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung của họ. Chúng tôi đã tổng hợp thông tin về COVID-19, vắc xin Pfizer và AstraZeneca để giúp bạn đưa ra quyết định. Chúng tôi cũng biên soạn những thông tin hướng dẫn về việc tự cách ly và bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung. Chúng tôi biết rằng việc tự cô lập có thể mang lại một số thách thức và việc lập kế hoạch có thể giúp giảm bớt căng thẳng, hỗ trợ quá trình phục hồi suôn sẻ và có thể cân nhắc cách kiểm soát các triệu chứng lạc nội mạc tử cung khi bạn mắc bệnh COVID-19. Những khoảng thời gian không chắc chắn này có thể ảnh hưởng đến sức khỏe tinh thần của bạn. Điều quan trọng cần nhớ là nếu bạn cảm thấy không khỏe thì có rất nhiều hình thức trợ giúp khác nhau. Chúng tôi có nhiều thông tin và công cụ trên trang web của mình. Chúng có thể hữu ích không chỉ trong những thời điểm không chắc chắn này do COVID-19 mà còn trong suốt hành trình điều trị chứng lạc nội mạc tử cung của bạn. Hãy tham gia cùng chúng tôi trong sứ mệnh hỗ trợ những người mắc bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung và cải thiện cuộc sống của hàng nghìn người ở Aotearoa New Zealand Chúng tôi dựa vào cộng đồng để cung cấp các nguồn lực và hỗ trợ mà những người mắc bệnh lạc nội mạc tử cung cần. Có nhiều cách để tham gia và tạo ra sự khác biệt, từ quyên góp đến tình nguyện dành thời gian của bạn. Hỗ trợ công việc của chúng tôi ngay hôm nay

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Korean Information Hub 저희 정보허브를 방문해 주셔서 감사합니다! 저희 Insight 자궁내막증은 모든 사람이 자궁내막증을 다룰 때 정확한 정보와 지원을 받을 자격이 있다고 믿습니다. 이 페이지의 모든 정보는 무료이며 다운로드할 수 있습니다. 정보 가이드 저희는 여러분들에게 한국어로 된 정보 가이드를 제공하기 위해 노력 중에 있습니다. 그 동안은 영어 가이드를 다운로드 하십시오. 이 정보 안내서의 목적은 자궁내막증, 자궁선근증 및/또는 자궁내막증과 관련된 상태에 대한 지식을 제공하는 것입니다. 현재 자궁내막증이 의심이 되거나, 자궁내막증 진단을 받은 경험이 있거나, 혹은 자궁내막증 증상을 겪고 있는 가족 구성원이나, 친구 또는 가족이 있는 등 관계없이 말이죠. 자궁내막증에 대한 경험은 사람마다 다르며, 이 정보 가이드는 증거를 기반으로 한 정보뿐만 아니라 자궁내막증을 경험한 사람들의 유용한 팁도 제공한다는 점을 기억하세요. 가이드를 확인하고 다운로드하시려면 아래 표지를 클릭하세요. 이러한 정보 가이드를 공유하는 것을 환영합니다. 그러나 모든 정보 가이드는 CC BY-NC-ND 4.0에 따라 라이선스가 부여된다는 점에 유의하세요. 이 라이센스의 사본을 보려면 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 을 방문하십시오. 추적기와 퍼즐 저희는 여러분께 트래커와 퍼즐을 한국어로 제공하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 그 동안은 우리의 트래커와 퍼즐을 영어로 다운로드하십시오. 증상, 통증 및 음식 추적기를 확인하세요. 그리고 증상을 색칠할 수 있는 퍼즐을 통해 여러분이 자궁내막증 및/또는 자궁선근증이 있는지 확인해보세요. 자궁내막증 브로셔 자궁내막증에 관한 정보 브로셔를 확인하고 다운로드하세요. 자궁내막증과 코로나19 저희는 귀하를 위해 코로나19 및 자궁내막증 자가 격리에 관한 정보 가이드를 한국어로 제공하는 작업을 진행 중입니다. 그 동안은 영어 가이드를 다운로드하시기 바랍니다. 코로나19와 예방접종은 뉴질랜드와 전 세계 모든 사람의 삶에 영향을 미쳤습니다. Insight Endometriosis는 사람들이 자신의 건강과 자궁내막증 여정에 관해 스스로 결정을 내릴 수 있도록 지원하는 증거 기반 정보를 믿습니다. 우리는 귀하의 의사 결정에 힘을 실어주기 위해 코로나19와, 화이자, 아스트라제네카 백신 접종에 대한 정보를 수집했습니다. 자가 격리와 자궁내막증에 관한 정보 가이드도 함께 준비했습니다. 우리는 자가 격리가 몇 가지 어려움을 가져올 수 있다는 것을 알고 있으며, 계획을 세우는 것이 스트레스를 완화하고 원활한 회복을 도우며, 코로나19에 걸린 동안 자궁내막증 증상을 관리하는 방법을 고려할 수 있습니다. 이러한 불확실한 시기는 정신 건강에 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다. 만약 기분이 좋지 않거나 우울감을 느끼는 경우 다양한 종류의 도움을 받을 수 있다는 점을 기억하세요. 우리 웹사이트에는 코로나19로 인한 불확실한 시기뿐만 아니라 자궁내막증 여정 전반에 걸쳐 도움이 될 수 있는 다양한 정보와 도구가 있습니다. 자궁내막증 환자에게 힘을 실어주고 뉴질랜드 아오테아로아 수천 명의 삶을 개선하기 위한 우리의 사명에 동참하세요. 우리는 자궁내막증 환자에게 필요한 자원과 지원을 제공하기 위해 지역사회의 지원을 받고 있습니다.기부부터 자원봉사까지, 여러분이 참여하고 변화를 만들 수 있는 다양한 방법들이 있습니다. 오늘 우리의 일을 지원해 주세요.

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Norwegian Information Hub Takk for at du besøker infosenteret vårt! Hos Insight Endometriosis mener vi at alle fortjener tilgang til nøyaktig informasjon og støtte når de gjennomgår endometriose. All informasjon på denne siden er gratis og nedlastbar. Informasjonsveiledninger Vi jobber med å oversette informasjonsveiledningene våre til norsk for deg. I mellomtiden kan du laste ned veiledningene våre på engelsk. Formålet med disse veiledningene er å gi deg kunnskap om endometriose, adenomyose og tilstander relatert til endometriose - enten du mistenker at du har endometriose, har en diagnose av endometriose, eller har et familiemedlem, en venn eller noen i din liv som har endometriosesymptomer. Det er viktig å huske at hver persons opplevelse av endometriose er forskjellig. Disse veiledningene gir evidensbasert informasjon og nyttige tips fra de som har erfaring med endometriose. Klikk på forsiden nedenfor for å se og laste ned veiledningene. Vi ønsker deg velkommen til å dele disse informasjonsguidene, men vær oppmerksom på at alle informasjonsguidene er lisensiert under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. For å se en kopi av denne lisensen, besøk: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Sporere og puslespill Vi jobber med å oversette våre sporere og puslespill til norsk for deg, i mellomtiden kan du laste ned våre sporere og puslespill på engelsk. Sjekk ut vår symptom-, smerte- og matsporer samt puslespill der du kan fargelegge symptomene dine for å finne ut om du har endometriose og/eller adenomyose. Endometriosebrosjyre Se og last ned vår brosjyre om endometriose. Endometriose og COVID-19 Vi jobber med å oversette våre veiledninger om COVID-19 og selvisolering med endometriose til norsk for deg, i mellomtiden kan du laste ned guidene våre på engelsk. COVID-19 og vaksinen har påvirket livene til alle i New Zealand og globalt. Insight Endometriosis tror på evidensbasert informasjon som gir folk mulighet til å ta sine egne avgjørelser angående deres helse- og endometriosereise. Vi har samlet informasjon om COVID-19, Pfizer- og AstraZeneca-vaksinen for å gi deg mulighet til å ta avgjørelser. Vi har også satt sammen en veiledning om selvisolering og endometriose. Vi vet at selvisolasjon kan være utfordrende, og å ha en plan kan bidra til å lindre stress, hjelpe til med en jevn bedring og kan ta hensyn til hvordan du kan håndtere endometriosesymptomene dine mens du har COVID-19. Disse usikre tidene kan påvirke ditt mentale velvære. Det er viktig å huske at hvis du ikke har det bra er det mange forskjellige typer hjelp tilgjengelig. Vi har en rekke informasjon og verktøy på nettsiden vår som kan være nyttig ikke bare i disse usikre tider på grunn av COVID-19, men under hele endometriosereisen din. Bli med oss i vårt oppdrag for å styrke mennesker med endometriose og forbedre livene til tusenvis i Aotearoa New Zealand Vi er avhengige av støtten fra samfunnet vårt for å gi ressursene og støtten som mennesker med endometriose trenger. Det er mange måter å engasjere seg og gjøre en forskjell på, fra å gi en donasjon til å være frivillig. Støtt arbeidet vårt i dag

Our disclaimer The information on this website reflects current evidence-based research from New Zealand and worldwide at the time of writing. While we endeavour to update as new information becomes available, Insight Endometriosis cannot guarantee or assume legal responsibility for the currency, accuracy, and completeness of the information. This website is for educational and support purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. A GP, gynaecologist, or specialist may provide new or different information that is more appropriate to an individual's needs and so Insight Endometriosis advises those seeking a diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment to consult their doctor or an appropriate medical professional. Insight Endometriosis is not responsible for the content of other parties that reference or are referenced from this website; such references should not be construed as endorsements. Any links to external websites are for your information only, and Insight Endometriosis cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained on this website is or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation by Insight Endometriosis. We encourage the distribution and sharing of information on this website to support those affected by endometriosis; please acknowledge Insight Endometriosis as the source. We support the Medical Council's statement that: "... patients may need to be reminded that internet research cannot take the place of a face-to-face consultation." Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today

Evidence-based information about endometriosis translated into Chinese (Simplified) Information Hub 感谢您访问我们的信息中心！ 在 Insight Endometriosis，我们相信每个人在处理子宫内膜异位症时都应该获得准确的信息和支持。 此页面上的所有信息都是免费且可下载的。 信息指南 我们目前正在将我们的信息指南翻译成中文，在此期间，您可以下载我们的英文指南。 这些信息指南的目的是让您提供有关子宫内膜异位症、腺肌症和/或子宫内膜异位症相关疾病的知识 - 无论您是否怀疑自己患有子宫内膜异位症、已经被诊断出子宫内膜异位症，或者您的家人、朋友或您身边的某个人正在经历子宫内膜异位症的症状。 重要的是要记住，每个人对子宫内膜异位症的体验都是不同的，这些信息指南提供了基于证据的信息，以及那些有过类似子宫内膜异位症经历人士的实用建议。 要查看和下载指南，请单击下方的封面页。 我们欢迎您分享这些信息指南，但请注意，所有信息指南均已获得 CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 许可。要查看此许可证的副本，请访问：http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 追踪器和拼图 我们正在努力将我们的追踪器和拼图翻译成中文，同时请下载我们的英文追踪器和拼图。 查看我们的症状、疼痛和饮食追踪器，以及您可以为您的症状涂上颜色的拼图，以帮助您判断是否患有子宫内膜异位症和/或腺肌症。 子宫内膜异位症手册 查看并下载我们关于子宫内膜异位症的信息手册。 子宫内膜异位症和 COVID-19 我们正在努力将有关 COVID-19 和子宫内膜异位症自我隔离的信息指南翻译成中文，同时请下载我们的英文指南。 COVID-19 及其疫苗接种已对新西兰和全球每个人的生活产生了影响。 Insight Endometriosis相信基于证据的信息，赋予人们能够就他们的健康和子宫内膜异位症做出自己的决定的能力。我们整理了有关 COVID-19、辉瑞和阿斯利康疫苗接种的信息，以帮助您做出决策。 我们还整理了一份有关自我隔离和子宫内膜异位症的信息指南。我们知道自我隔离可能会带来一些挑战，制定计划可以帮助缓解压力，协助顺利康复，并考虑在您感染 COVID-19 时如何控制子宫内膜异位症症状。 这些不确定的时期可能会影响您的心理健康。重要的是要记住，如果您感觉不舒服，有许多不同类型的帮助可供选择。我们的网站上提供了一系列信息和工具，不仅在 COVID-19 造成的不确定时期有帮助，而且在您的子宫内膜异位症治疗过程中都可能有所帮助。 与我们一起履行使命，赋予患有子宫内膜异位症的人力量，改善新西兰成千上万人的生活。 我们依靠社区的支持来提供子宫内膜异位症患者所需的资源和支持。参与并做出改变的方式有很多，从捐款到志愿服务。 今天就支持我们的工作。

Understand endometriosis in teens—symptoms, diagnosis, and how to talk to your doctor. Insight Endometriosis, NZ SOMETIMES PERIOD PAIN THAT IS AFFECTING YOUR DAILY LIFE SIGNIFICANTLY CAN BE A SYMPTOM OF A CONDITION CALLED ENDOMETRIOSIS. Understanding Endometriosis Getting Diagnosed Treatment and Support Talking About Endometriosis Managing School Life Your Mental Wellbeing Understanding Endometriosis What is endometriosis? Endometriosis (say it like: en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis) happens when tissue like the lining of your uterus (womb) grows in places it shouldn’t, like your ovaries, bowel, or bladder. LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDOMETRISOIS BY CLICKING ON ONE OF THE BUTTONS BELOW Where endometriosis grows Who can have endometriosis What are the symptoms of endometriosis How can endometriosis affect your life This tissue reacts to hormones and can cause pain, tiredness, and other symptoms. It’s not “just bad periods” — it’s a whole-body condition. There are three types of endometriosis, as well as adenomyosis (endometriosis within the uterus): Endometrioma - endometriosis cyst of the ovary ('cyst' means a fluid-filled sack) Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) - nodules at least 5mm deep Superficial endometriosis - spots and patches that are less than 5mm deep, which can be in a single location or more widespread. Adenomyosis - the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscle tissue of the uterus Where does endometriosis grow? ENDOMETRIOSIS IS MORE THAN A PERIOD PROBLEM. IT'S A WHOLE-BODY CONDITION THAT CAN HAPPEN EVEN IF SOMEONE DOESN'T HAVE A UTERUS. Endometriosis has been found in every part of the female human body and in some males. Organs that are close to the uterus are more often affected by endometriosis, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, rectum, Pouch of Douglas and appendix. Who can have endometriosis? Endometriosis can affect anyone - even teens. Endometriosis usually shows up in people of reproductive age, but it can also happen before periods start or even after menopause. It’s not rare, and it’s not your fault. If someone in your family has endometriosis, you might be more likely to have it too. What are the symptoms? There are lots of symptoms of endometriosis and you do not need to have all of them to have endometriosis but the more symptoms you have, the more likely it is endometriosis causing them. Pain during or around your period which affects your daily life (dysmenorrhoea) Pain in your pelvic region, lower back, or legs Pain during or around the time of ovulation Pain going to the toilet or if your bladder is full (dysuria) Bowel problems that cycle with your periods such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating in the lower tummy or pain going to the toilet Constant tiredness (fatigue) Spotting before your period Immune system issues - feeling run-down, getting lots of colds and taking a long time to recover IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS BECAUSE EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT CAN HELP YOU MANAGE YOUR SYMPTOMS AND MAKE SURE THAT PAIN DOES NOT IMPACT YOUR LIFE. How can endometriosis affect your life? Endometriosis can affect people's lives in different ways, it isn’t just about pain. Your symptoms might mean you need to take time off school, and they can affect how well you study or get things done. If you have a part-time job, you might need sick days, and your work could be affected too. Endometriosis can also impact your relationships. You might not feel like hanging out with friends, and your social life could be interrupted. Travel or plans for moving away for study or work might be harder because of your symptoms. All of this can affect your mental health, causing feelings of anxiety or depression. EVERYONE EXPERIENCES SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PAIN DIFFERENTLY Info Hub Getting Diagnosed LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING A DIAGNOSIS BY CLICKING ON ONE OF THE BUTTONS BELOW Pathway to diagnosis What happens at a doctors appointment Questions you could be asked Questions you can ask your doctor Tests and Imaging What do you do if you suspect endometriosis? It's a good idea to track your symptoms for 2-3 months and then talk to your GP about your symptoms. We have a range of tools that can help you track your symptoms. These tools can help with the conversation with your GP. Symptoms Checklist Jigsaw of Symptoms and Impacts Symptoms, Pain and Food Tracker The Pathway to Diagnosis Identify and track your symptoms. Book an appointment with your GP and talk to them about the symptoms you have identified and tracked. Ask your GP about an ultrasound which can help with diagnosing the cause of symptoms. Ask your GP to refer you to a gynaecologist that specialises in endometriosis either in the public hospital or in private practice (you can also just contact one in private practice directly). Discuss diagnosis, treatment and management options with your gynaecologist. They might suggest other tests. Also talk with your gynaecologist about your options, including a surgery called laparoscopy where you can get a firm diagnosis as well as treatment to remove (excise) any endometriosis found. What will happen at a GP or gynaecologist appointment? Your GP and/or gynaecologist want to help you. Be honest about all of your symptoms and how they affect school, friends or everyday life. Try not to be embarrassed but if you are, tell your GP/gynaecologist that you feel this way so they can help you feel at ease. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. THEY CAN HELP YOU TALK TO THE DOCTOR AND ENSURE ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED. TALK TO YOU SUPPORT PERSON BEFORE, SHARING WHAT QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR AND WHAT YOU WANT AT THE END OF THE APPOINTMENT. Before your appointment Most GP appointments are only 10–15 minutes long, so if you’ve got a lot to talk about, ask for a longer (double) appointment so you don’t feel rushed. Get ready before your appointment: Think about what you want to get out of it (like a treatment plan, medications, talking about symptoms, or getting a referral). Write down your symptoms and questions in a notebook or on your phone. Include any meds, supplements, or other treatments you’re using. Use your notes during the appointment so you don’t forget anything. Take the symptom checklist or the symptoms and impacts jigsaw to your appointment to help you explain to your doctor what you are experiencing. What questions could your GP/gynaecologist ask you? Questions your GP/gynaecologist ask you aim to help figure out what you need, so answer honestly. Here are some questions your doctor may ask: What are your symptoms? When did they start? Do they happen or get worse at certain times? What makes them better or worse? Do any of your close relatives (on either side of the family) have endometriosis or similar symptoms? When did you start menstruating? What is the date of your most recent period? How long do your periods last and what type of flow do you experience? How long is your menstrual cycle from the start of one period to the next, or is it irregular? What medications, or supplements do you take on a regular basis? Have these helped with symptoms? What side effects have you experienced from these? Any previous illnesses or operations? Do you smoke and/or drink alcohol, and how much and how often? REMEMBER YOUR GP WANTS TO HELP YOU SO ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS HONESTLY. TRY NOT TO BE EMBARRASSED ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS AND IT'S OK IF YOU ARE. TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE TALKING AND THEY WILL HELP TO PUT YOU AT EASE What should you ask your GP/gynaecologist? Below are some questions you may want to ask your GP/gynaecologist: What do you think is causing my symptoms? What treatment options are there? What do you recommend for me? How will these treatments help? How long do you think it will be before this treatment starts to make a difference? How long do you expect me to be on this treatment plan? What side effects can this treatment cause? What if the treatment is unsuccessful? Are there any lifestyle changes that might help? What do I do if my symptoms don’t improve? What will happen if I do nothing? Could another condition be causing my pain and period problems? What is the timeframe going forward for this treatment plan? When should I have a follow-up appointment? Are there tests to diagnose endometriosis? There are tests your GP or gynaecologist can order to help with their diagnosis. Understanding the role of these tests may help you to advocate for yourself and keep on the right pathway for a diagnosis, treatment and management plan. YOU CAN STILL HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS EVEN IF YOU HAVE A CLEAR UTLRASOUND, OR A NEGATIVE MRI SCAN. Ultrasound An ultrasound can be used to eliminate other possible causes of symptoms, such as fibroids and polyps. With a skilled sonographer and modern ultrasound equipment, some types of endometriosis can be detected. Ultrasounds can also show: cysts - there should be further tests to distinguish endometrioma from other types of cysts adhesions - formed from inflammation caused by endometriosis or infection an enlarged, 'bulky' or 'distorted' uterus, indicating adenomyosis Treatment and Support What treatments might my GP offer me? To help with any pain you are experiencing, your GP may offer you pain relief medication, suggest pain management techniques (things that you can do yourself), and/or complementary therapies as a treatment option. Your GP can also offer hormonal treatments that may help to control symptoms and improve quality of life. The most commonly prescribed are birth control (contraceptive) pills which taken every day can help to relieve symptoms. There are many different formulations - a common one is called cerazette. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TREATMENT OPTIONS BY CLICKING ON ONE OF THE BUTTONS BELOW Pain Relief Medication Pain Management Techniques Complementary Therapies Exercise Hormonal Treatments Acute pain - sudden pain from an injury, illness or medical procedure Start with paracetamol. If that doesn’t help, you can add an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. You can get these from a supermarket or chemist. f you’re still in pain, talk to your GP about stronger pain relief options including stronger anti-inflammatories. What pain relief medication can I take? You can take pain relief medications, what medication you take can depend on the type of pain you are experiencing, what has caused it and where it is. Is there anything else I can do to help with pain? There are pain management techniques you can try to help your pain. Pain management techniques are things that you can for yourself. Heat Heat can help relax your pelvic muscles and ease cramps. It also boosts blood flow, helps tissues heal, and can change how your body feels pain. You can use moist heat, like warm baths, damp towels, wheat bags, or hot water bottles. Dry heat comes from things like electric heating pads or dry heat packs. What are complementary therapies and how can they help my pain? IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES TALK TO YOUR GP FIRST TO CHECK INTERACTIONS WITH YOUR MEDICATION OR TREATMENT AND ANY SAFETY CONERNS Find out how acupuncture can help Learn about physiotherapy Read about osteopathy Discover how massage can give relief Learn about naturopathy Complementary therapies come from lots of different types of therapists, like acupuncture, physiotherapy, osteopathy, naturopathy, massage, or Traditional Chinese Medicine. With endometriosis, these therapies are usually used to help with specific symptoms, like period pain, or things linked to the condition, like inflammation. If you want to try any complementary therapies, talk to your GP first to make sure they’re safe and won’t interfere with any other treatments you’re using. While there isn’t a lot of research on complementary therapies, many people find them helpful when used along with surgery or hormonal treatments. Can healthy movement help with my endometriosis symptoms? Healthy movement can help with endometriosis symptoms as well as overall health and wellbeing. It's important to find what works best for you and your endometriosis, particularly if you find some types of exercise cause painful flares of symptoms. FIND THE EXERCISES THAT YOU ENJOY AND WORK BEST FOR YOUR BODY. IT MIGHT TAKE SOME TIME AND BE A PROCESS OF TRIAL AND ERROR, BUT DON’T GIVE UP ON FINDING THE BEST PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR YOU! The Ministry of Health suggests getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Your activity should make you breathe a bit harder and stretch your muscles, but it shouldn’t be painful or make your symptoms worse. Even small amounts of activity count! You can split it up into “snackercise,” like three 10-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions. Any movement is good for you. Getting started with exercise tips Tip 1 Schedule exercise into your day, maybe wake up a little earlier and start your day with some physical activity or try going for a walk during a lunch break. AIM FOR LOW IMPACT AND MODERATE INTENSITY - EXERCISES WHERE YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION How do I choose a hormonal treatment? It's important to talk with your doctor about different treatments so you can pick what works best for you and what is best for the type of endometriosis you have. Every treatment has pros and cons, and it might take some trial and error to find what works best for you. You can combine treatments, such as Jaydess with a mini-pill to get an effective dose. The best treatment plan can also change over time as your experience with endometriosis changes. REMEMBER EVERYONE’S EXPERIENCE OF SIDE EFFECTS FROM HORMONAL TREATMENTS AND THE LENGTH OF TIME THESE LAST IS DIFFERENT. ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST ABOUT THE PROS AND CONS OF USING MEDICATIONS AND TREATMENTS Why is my doctor prescribing me hormonal treatments? Hormonal treatments can help ease some symptoms. Sometimes surgery isn’t an option, the wait for surgery is long, or other health conditions make it better to manage periods with hormones. In these cases, trying hormonal treatments can be recommended. It’s important to learn about the different options and talk to your GP about possible side effects and what taking them long-term could mean. WHILE HORMONAL TREATMENTS ARE NOT A CURE, THEY CAN HELP WITH SYMPTOMS AND CAN BE USED SAFELY LONG-TERM. SOME TREATMENTS ARE MORE APPROPRIATE FOR SOME TYPES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS Some studies show that using long-term hormonal treatment after surgery can lower the chance of endometriosis coming back. Hormonal treatments can also be used with surgery, pain medication, lifestyle changes like exercise and sleep, and even complementary therapies. The goal of hormone treatments is to: Control symptoms, especially pain Make day-to-day life easier Reduce the risk of endometriosis coming back after surgery Progestin-Only Contraceptive Pill Commonly known as the minipill or POP Contains one hormone - progestogen Minipills must be taken at the same time each day Generally stops periods and sometimes will stop ovulation Options - Cerazette, Microlut (Levonorgestrel), Noriday (Norethisterone) Talking about Endometriosis I'm struggling at home, school and with my friends because of my symptoms, what can I do? It’s important to let the people in your life know about your symptoms and how they affect you. Talking to family, friends, or teachers can help them support you and offer practical help. Sometimes it’s hardest to talk to the people closest to you, but it’s important. Pick a time and place where you can talk alone and without distractions. If you feel ready, share things like your symptoms, treatments your GP has suggested, any side effects from medication, how it’s affecting your life, and any lifestyle changes you’d like to try. Ways your whānau and friends can support you Here are some ideas of how people in your life can support you. You can ask them to: Just listen to you, talking is therapeutic Simply check-in with you about how you are doing Brainstorm tips and tricks with you to help manage your symptoms Understand that this is not just a 'bad period' Acknowledge that living with these symptoms isn't easy for you Understand sometimes plans have to be cancelled or adjusted Help you to make lifestyle changes Support you by coming to doctors appointments and meetings with teacher Give you a hug Reassure you that your relationships or friendship is unconditional Managing School Life GET IDEAS ON HOW TO MANAGE SCHOOL LIFE WHEN YOU HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS SYMPTOMS BY CLICKING ON ONE OF THE BUTTONS BELOW Talking to your teachers Being absent from school Support you can ask for How do I talk to my teacher/s about what is happening to me? It can be tricky to know what to tell your teachers, but to get the most out of your studies, it helps to explain how endometriosis affects you and what support you need. Here's how you can talk to your teacher: Bring a support person Ask a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult to join you when meeting with key staff — they can help explain things and support your self-advocacy. Explain what endometriosis is Share a simple explanation of endometriosis and direct them to reliable sources like Insight Endometriosis for more information. Talk about your experience Let them know that symptoms can be different for everyone. Explain that pain and fatigue can make it hard to keep up with classwork, homework, or assignments — and that good communication is key to helping you stay on track. Share what you’re comfortable with If you feel okay doing so, talk about your specific symptoms and how often they happen. You can also share parts of your treatment or management plan if you think it will help them understand what support you might need. Answer questions honestly — but on your terms It’s okay to say “I’m not comfortable talking about that” if a question feels too personal. Only share what feels right for you. Discuss what support might look like Talk about what might help when you’re experiencing symptoms — things like: Needing toilet or rest breaks Using a heat pack during class Taking medication at specific times Access to schoolwork or study-from-home options when you’re unwell Make a plan together Work with your teacher or school to create a plan for managing absences and catching up on missed work. Having a plan can help reduce stress and make things feel more manageable. What can I do about being absent from school and missing work? Some days, pelvic pain, fatigue, or other endometriosis symptoms might make it hard to go to school. Talk with your parent or guardian about when it’s okay to stay home and what’s manageable for you. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, waking up early enough to get ready, having a good breakfast, and taking your medication. Here are some ideas to address absences and missed work that you can talk about with your teacher/s: Have a person in each class who will be responsible for contacting you with homework and assignments if you miss class. Ask that assignments be given out in advance of any upcoming doctor appointments so that work can be completed ahead of time. Ask your teachers to email you notes and what was done in class for the day so you don’t fall behind Request a folder of homework and assignments to be kept in the school office so that someone can pick it up for you at the end of the day Ask for extensions when assignments are due. What support can I ask for when at school? YOU DESERVE SUPPORT THAT HELPS YOU LEARN AND SUCCEED AT SCHOOL. IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP AND TO KEEP ASKING UNTIL YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED When you talk to your teacher/s you can ask them and your school for support to help make things easier when you're experiencing symptoms. This might include changes to your timetable, help with catching up on work, or connecting with support services. There are lots of ways your school can support you if endometriosis symptoms are making it hard to get through the day. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s okay to ask for support that works best for you. Here are some things you could ask for: Ask for a toilet pass, time-out card or note so that you can leave class without needing to explain each time when you need to manage your pain, stretch or rest. Keep your school bag light to help with your pain. Try keeping extra books at home or ask for somewhere at school to keep them. Discuss using the sick bay or a quiet space where you can rest if your pain or fatigue gets worse. If it's an option for your family, an out-of-school tutor can help you keep up with schoolwork so you don't feel so overwhelmed. If the distance between classrooms is impacting, request extra time to get to classes. Te Kura offer quality distance education through to NCEA Level 3. Find out more on their website: www.tekura.school.nz Request flexible attendance and assignment deadlines so you can keep up with work or catch up on anything you have missed. Connect with Disability Support, Stress Counselling or other services at your school, they can work with you and your whānau to make a plan. Find out where you can fill a hot water bottle or get a heat pack ready that you can then use through the day to help with your pain. Seek support from the school counsellor to talk things through and find strategies to cope. Plan with your physical education teacher modified activities that won't make your pain worse. Exercise can help but it's important it's the right movement for your body. Find a trusted teacher that you can check in with on a regular basis and discuss what support you need. The school can also apply to the Ministry of Education for you to sit your external exams separately to others so that you can get up and walk around. You don’t need to ask for everything at once. A good first step is talking to a teacher or school staff member you trust. You deserve to feel supported at school — and you’re not alone. Your Mental Wellbeing How do I look after my mental well-being when I'm in pain? FOR MANY OF US, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH WE'RE THINKING ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS OR MENTAL DISTRESS. BUT LIKE PHYSICAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH IS SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE, AND WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER IT. MENTAL WELL-BEING IS ABOUT FEELING GOOD, FUNCTIONING WELL, AND FEELING CONNECTED. Living with pain can affect your mood and in turn affect your perception of pain. It's often described as a cycle where your pain causes feelings of anxiety, low mood, fatigue, and sleeplessness, which can result in increased pain. The increased pain can then cause a low mood, tiredness, and stress, so you can get caught in an endless cycle. But there are ways to break the cycle and reclaim your sense of well-being. Here are some things you could try to look after your mental well-being and be helpful in managing your pain: Practice mindfulness Mindfulness reduces stress, tension, and anxiety. It can help you to avoid focusing too much on your pain as well as direct your thoughts in a way that is helpful for managing your pain. What else can I do to look after my mental well-being? Looking after your mental well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health. Self-care is one way to do that — it’s about doing small, intentional things that help you feel more like yourself. And self-care doesn’t look the same for everyone! Self-care is more than bubble baths or taking a break (though those things are great too!). It’s about paying attention to what helps you feel balanced, calm, and cared for — especially when life gets tough. Self-care can look different for everyone, and there’s no “right” way to do it. The important part is choosing things that help you feel supported. There are six types of self-care — try different ideas and see what feels good for you: Physical self-care Getting enough sleep Stretching Gentle movement Drinking water Using a heat pack Resting when you’re in pain. Emotional self-care Writing in a journal Talking to someone you trust Naming your feelings Listening to music that matches your mood Creating art to express your feelings Practicing self-kindness Spiritual self-care Spending time in nature Exploring your values or beliefs Meditating Doing something that helps you feel connected and grounded Social self-care Spending time with friends or whānau who make you feel safe and supported Joining a club, group, or online community Spending time with someone who 'gets it' Reaching out, even when it's hard Intellectual self-care Do something that make you curious or focused: Reading Drawing Doing a puzzle Learning something new Sensory self-care Calm your senses with: Soft textures A warm shower Gentle music Something that smells nice — like lavender or your favourite food If you are worried about how often you are getting your period, any pain you are having, or other symptoms before, during or after your period you can talk to your school nurse, GP or another healthcare prover. Here is what to do next if your period pain is really bad, doesn't get better with pain medicine, lasts more than the first few days of your period or is affecting your daily life: Complete a symptoms checklist or colour in our symptom jigsaw Download the checklist Download the jigsaw Track your symptoms Download a tracker See your GP for an assessment and for pain relief - take your checklist, jigsaw and/or tracker to talk about your symptoms Contact Insight Endometriosis for support and more information. Visit our Info Hub On our Info Hub you’ll find more information guides that explore endometriosis and related topics in greater depth. These can be especially useful if you’d like a deeper understanding or if you’re looking for resources to share with whānau, teachers, or health professionals. This webpage is also available as a free downloadable guide: Endometriosis: A Guide for Teens. You may also find Understanding Periods: A Guide for Teens helpful. Visit our Info Hub today! Endometriosis: A Guide for Teens Understanding Periods: A Guide for Teens Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today Up

Endometriosis is difficult to recognise and diagnose because people experience a wide range of symptoms that present with various configurations, plus symptoms can also be similar to many other conditions. Discover conditons related to endometriosis - the common signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management. Conditions related to endo Endometriosis is difficult to recognise and diagnose because people experience a wide range of symptoms that present with various configurations, plus symptoms can also be similar to many other conditions. Adenomyosis Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Interstitial Cystitis Fibromyalgia Irritable Bowel Syndrome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Adenomyosis Adenomyosis (pronounced ad – uh – no – my – o – sis) is when the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows into the muscle tissue of the uterus. It is just as common as endometriosis, affecting 1 in 9 born with internal reproductive organs, although there is also little research so it could affect more people than realised. Read more about adenomyosis + Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects, at least, 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth. It is a hormonal condition characterised by high levels of testosterone and insulin, cysts in the ovaries, irregular or no periods. Learn more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome + Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. IBS does not cause changes in bowel tissue and can often be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress which can all contribute to 'flares' of symptoms. Find out more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome + Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Interstitial Cystitis (pronounced in-tur-stish-ul sis-tie-tis) is a chronic condition characterised by bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain from mild discomfort to severe. Read more about Interstitial Cystitis + Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition in which people experience widespread chronic pain and tenderness in the body, often accompanied by ongoing fatigue and cognitive and memory problems. Learn more about Fibromyalgia + Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a chronic condition characterised by ongoing exhaustion. It's also know as ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy), Tapanui or Yuppie Flu. Find out more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome + Visit our Info Hub You can also download all of the information on this webpage in our FREE information guides, visit our info hub for the full range of guides. Visit our Info Hub today! Conditions Related to Endometriosis Information Guide Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today Up

Complementary therapies, nutrition, and exercise can make a difference to your endometriosis symptoms. Learn more... Complementary therapies and changes to lifestyle Many people have found that complementary therapies and changes to their lifestyle, such as healthy eating and movement can help with endometriosis symptoms. It's important to remember that each person is different and experiences endometriosis differently - what works for one person may not work for another. It is worth trying complementary therapies, changes to your diet, and introducing healthy movement that works for you and your body. Learn about complementary therapies Find out the benefits of nutritional changes Discover how healthy movement can help Read about mental well-being Complementary therapies Complementary therapies are provided by therapists from a wide variety of disciplines and are often used alongside usual treatments - such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and massage. While there is little research and evidence about complementary therapies, many people have found them helpful, alongside surgical and hormonal treatment. With endometriosis, therapies are often used to manage particular symptoms, such as period pain. Treatment may also focus on aspects of the condition, for example, inflammation. If you are going to use complementary therapies talk to your GP first to check interactions with other medicines or treatments and any safety concerns. Find out how acupuncture can help Read about osteopathy Learn about physiotherapy Discover how massage can give relief Learn about naturopathy Nutritional changes The experience of endometriosis symptoms is different for each person, as well as each person being unique in their food preferences, lifestyle, medical history, and treatment, therefore, there is no universal 'endo diet'. However, there are general principles such as reducing foods that either cause inflammation or raise oestrogen levels, both of which may contribute to endometriosis or its symptoms. Eating the foods that are right for you can help: combat bloating relieve IBS symptoms reduce flares and pain regulate bowels fight fatigue support your gut health which can optimise immune function Discover foods positive for endometriosis Learn about going gluten free Understand more about FODMAP Discover foods negative for endometriosis Read about omega-3 and omega-6 Get tips on reducing endo belly Eating well with endometriosis tip 1 Work out what foods, additives and/or colourings trigger your symptoms Knowing what triggers your symptoms means you can get some relief from your symptoms and you will be in a better place to focus on foods that benefit your endometriosis and health. Food, symptom, and pain diary The best way to determine which dietary changes may help you is to keep a food and symptom diary, recording everything that you eat and drink each day. A clear pattern may not emerge right away so it’s best to keep a food diary for 4-6 weeks. You may find from a diary that some of your symptoms may be triggered by certain foods and eliminating these from your daily food intake may help to reduce symptoms. After eliminating foods for 4-6 weeks it may be possible to slowly re-introduce specific foods to see how your body tolerates them but continue your food diary to monitor your symptoms to determine if your symptoms improve, stay the same, or worsen after reintroducing something. Get our tips on keeping a food diary here + To fight inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis, consume a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet that’s primarily plant-based and full of vitamins and minerals. Omega-3 fats can be beneficial because they are natural anti-inflammatories and high levels can be found in some fish - but if you don't eat fish it's possible to include these healthful fats and fatty acids in your diet through other foods and supplements. Foods that may positively affect endometriosis Fibrous foods Fruit Vegetables Legumes Whole grains Iron-rich foods Dark leafy greens Broccoli Beans Fortified grains Nuts Seeds Healthful fats Salmon Fatty fish Tree nuts Avocado Olive oil Olives Foods rich in essential fatty acids Salmon Sardines Herring Trout Walnuts Chia seeds Flax seeds Antioxidant-rich foods Colourful fruits Colourful vegetables Dark chocolate Spinach Beets Foods that may negatively affect endometriosis Foods that can influence hormone regulation, particularly oestrogen balance, can negatively affect those with endometriosis. Some foods may also cause inflammation leading to further pain. Alcohol can contribute to bloating and diarrhoea excess alcohol may cause inflammation is processed by the liver so can reduce the effectiveness of oestrogen being removed Saturated and trans fat can increase inflammation may have a negative impact on period pain is processed by the liver so can reduce the effectiveness of oestrogen being removed Excess caffiene may cause diarrhoea can worsen symptoms of anxiety is processed by the liver so can reduce the effectiveness of oestrogen being removed Processed foods may contain inflammatory omega-6 can cause bloating are low in fibre, zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats is processed by the liver so can reduce the effectiveness of oestrogen being removed Going gluten free Many people have reported some type of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and experience symptoms such as flatulence, bloating, and disturbed bowel function, similar to some of the endometriosis bowel symptoms. A 2012 study suggested that 75% of people had improved pain perception in all areas and improved quality of life, with no worsening of pain in the remaining 25% after following a gluten-free diet for 12 months. Gluten is a protein found in some grains (wheat, barley, rye, and oats), and is also found in beer, bottled condiments, some sausages and is present as a thickening in many shop-bought sauces. Gluten is not an essential nutrient so if you remove gluten from your diet and you feel better for it and have reduced symptoms then this is a good outcome. There are some things to be aware of if you are going gluten-free, find out what these things are if you are gluten-free or thinking of going gluten-free + To be gluten-free planning out each meal, as well as shopping and preparing ahead of time, can make it much easier to stay on track. Omega-3 and Omega-6 balance Omega-3 and omega-6 are fatty acids that you can only get from what you eat. These fatty acids are different from most other fats, they are biologically active and have important roles in processes like blood clotting and inflammation. Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and omega-6 is pro-inflammatory and research shows that the average 'Western' diet tends to be very high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 Given that endometriosis is often associated with pain caused by inflammation, balancing omega-3 and omega-6 intake is especially beneficial for those with endometriosis. Find out how you can balance omega-3 and omega-6 in your diet here + Low FODMAP-diet Some people with endometriosis symptoms have found that a low FODMAP diet relieves some of their symptoms and allows the gastrointestinal system to heal, by eliminating certain carbohydrates that are potentially irritating. FODMAP stands for 'fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols'. FODMAP is a short-term dietary modification rather than a long-term lifestyle change. Many foods that contain FODMAPs are considered very healthy, and some FODMAPs function like healthy prebiotic fibres, supporting your friendly gut bacteria. If you can tolerate these types of carbs you should not avoid them. However, for people with a FODMAP intolerance, foods high in these carbs may cause unpleasant digestive issues as your gut bacteria use these carbs for fuel, producing hydrogen gas which may lead to gas, bloating, stomach cramps, pain, and constipation. FODMAPs also draw liquid into your intestine, which may cause diarrhoea. By eliminating all high-FODMAP foods for a few weeks to see if FODMAPs are the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms. You may experience relief in your symptoms in as little as a few days. Find out what high FODMAP foods to avoid + After a few weeks, you can reintroduce foods, one at a time, to help you determine which foods cause your symptoms. If you find that a certain type of food strongly upsets your digestion you may want to then permanently avoid it. It can be difficult to get started and follow a low-FODMAP diet on your own, so seek the advice of a doctor, dietician, or nutritionist who is trained in this area. This may also help prevent unnecessary dietary restrictions. They can also help to track symptoms and identify potentially problematic foods. They can also make sure that it is appropriate for specific medical or health situations. Preparation is crucial for success with FODMAP. Planning out each meal, as well as shopping and preparing it ahead of time, can make it much easier to stay on track. Endo belly A bloated abdomen is common for people with endometriosis and is often called an 'endo belly'. Bloating can be due to other underlying medical conditions alongside endometriosis such as coeliac disease, Small Intestine Bacterial Growth (SIBO), and Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). It can also be a symptom of adenomyosis, fibroids, polyps, and ovarian cancer. For those with endometriosis causes of endo belly include: inflammation from endometriotic lesions and changes within the immune system dietary triggers, food intolerances and altered gut microbiota poor dietary practices such as large portions, eating too quickly, and mindless eating constipation stress hormone fluctuations linked with your menstrual cycle some medications abnormal abdominal-diaphragmatic reflexes Identifying foods that trigger your symptoms and endo belly is really important because it's easy to look back and blame your symptoms on the last thing you ate and this may lead you to a restrictive diet, eliminating things unnecessarily or making many changes all at once. Keep a food and symptom diary to figure out the triggers of your symptoms. Read more about food and symptom diaries Endo belly tip 1 Optimise your digestion reduce stress eat sitting down eat in a calm environment add digestive enzymes if your digestion is sensitive try soups, stews, smoothies Healthy movement to help endometriosis symptoms Healthy movement which is moderate intensity, low impact, and includes stretching is good for both endometriosis symptoms and overall physical and mental wellbeing. It's important to find what works best for you and your endometriosis, particularly if you find some types of exercise cause painful flares of symptoms. Even on bad days, small amounts of activity is better than no activity. Try ‘snacking' on exercise by breaking up the 30 minutes into three lots of 10 minutes or two lots of 15 minutes. Find out what the benefits of exercise are + Moderate-intensity exercises will moderate your hormones while building on fitness and strength, while low-impact exercises will help ensure you do not trigger pain due to adhesions and stretching can help increase your range of movement. Suitable exercises include: walking cycling swimming water aerobics dancing cleaning the house gardening Pilates Yoga Tai Chi Find out more about the benefits of yoga when you have endometriosis + Finding the relaxation exercises and strength and core exercises that you enjoy and work best for your body may be a process of trial and error. Don’t give up on finding the best physical activity for you. Get our tips on getting started with exercise + Exercises to avoid There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to this because the severity of the condition and its symptoms vary widely from person to person. But, in general, try to avoid or limit: High-intensity workouts which through an interplay with hormones may further aggravate pain symptoms. High-impact exercises may trigger pain through adhesions (scar tissue). Abdominal exercises, particularly when already experiencing pain. Working first on relaxing and gently stretching muscles first might be useful. Overcoming barriers to exercise Sometimes we put up barriers to exercise, here are some of the common ones and how to overcome them: “I'm not well” While endometriosis flare-ups can make it challenging to exercise, remember the benefits such as pain relief and improvements in mood. On bad days, yoga and a light walk (perhaps in nature) might be beneficial. Any physical activity can be useful on these days. “I don’t have time” It’s important to prioritise your health, so schedule activity into your daily routine – perhaps by getting up earlier or fitting a walk into your lunch break. Aim for ‘snacking' on exercise - if you can't find half an hour try for three 10 minute sessions, use the stairs instead of the lift, park your car 10 minutes' walk away from your destination. And remember all activities count - it doesn’t have to be a workout at a gym; gardening and other activities around the home are an important part of your activity routine too. “I'm too tired” Remember physical activity helps to improve your energy levels and sleep better. Start small and slowly build up as your energy levels increase. “I can't afford it” You don’t have to join a gym to exercise! There are lots of free and low-cost options, many of which can be built into daily life – walking, dancing, gardening, and community classes. Visit our Info Hub You can also download all of the information on this webpage in our FREE information guides, visit our info hub for the full range of guides. Visit our Info Hub today! Lifestyle Changes Information Guide Join us in our mission to empower people with endometriosis and improve the lives of thousands in Aotearoa New Zealand We rely on the support of our community to provide the resources and support that people with endometriosis need. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference, from making a donation to volunteering your time. Support our work today Up