Chapter 53: Interview with Caroline

Caroline is a 27 year old woman who lives with endometriosis. This is her story. One in ten people with uteruses have endometriosis. You are not alone.

1. What endo symptoms did you experience?

I began having extremely painful cramps as soon as I started my menstrual cycle and when my OBGYN suggest birth control, I continued to have horrible pain during my period so I eventually moved to a continuous oral medication so that I didn’t have a period. Once I became sexually active a decade later, I noticed that intercourse was always extremely painful and still is painful even while doing treatments for pain.

2. When and how were you diagnosed? How long did you have symptoms before you were diagnosed?

I was 26 when I was diagnosed and I was diagnosed through a laparoscopy and I had the endometriosis removed by excision. I had symptoms for 15 years before my official diagnosis.

3. What impact has endo had on your life?

My productively levels are wrecked during my period as I’m in a ton of pain and intimacy is difficult. It also impacts your self-esteem and mental health in ways one wouldn’t assume.

4. What do you do to help with your symptoms?

Birth control has been the best and pain relievers can work magic if I don’t wait to experience pain before taking for them. As far as the pelvic floor pain, I have medication and pelvic floor therapy that helps tremendously.

5. What advice do you have for women who think they have endo?

Although this experience is very isolating, you are not alone. Find people who are willing to listen to you, who empathize with you, and who support you! We’re endo warriors, not endo victims. We can get through this together!