We Asked, You Answered: What YOU Want To Learn More About Endo Part 2

In Part 1 of our What YOU Want to Learn More About Endo series, we shared information about mental health, surgery, and deep infiltrative endometriosis. As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we're continuing to answer your top endo questions - read on to learn more about diet, symptoms, and more!

Diet

Dietary changes can help relieve endo symptoms, but eating healthful foods while eliminating triggers can be frustrating and isolating for those living with endometriosis.

About 1 out of 4 of survey respondents say they use a specific diet to improve symptoms. This includes gluten-free, dairy-free, low FODMAP, vegan, or low-carbohydrate diets. One out of 3 of respondents say they limit their intake of alcohol, caffeine, dairy, sugar, soy, fried, processed, and other types of foods.

• 33 percent limit certain foods
• 24 percent follow a specific diet

Read more:
Managing Endometriosis Symptoms through Diet
Recipes
Dealing With Endometriosis Diet Fatigue
Study Shows That Diet Changes Can Lessen Endometriosis Symptoms

Common symptoms

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, and all of that inflammation can lead to pain and fatigue. An alarming 96 percent of survey respondents have experienced fatigue, while 90 percent say fatigue is the most prominent symptom they have experienced within the past 6 months.

• 91 percent have abdominal pain or cramping unrelated to period
• 87 percent have pelvic pain unrelated to period
• 82 percent have back or flank (side of body) pain
• 68 percent have hip pain

Some respondents found pain relief through exercise, meditation, yoga, and physical therapy.

Read more:
Tips for Coping with Endometriosis-Related Fatigue
What Causes Endometriosis Fatigue?
The Chronic Fatigue Hacks that Work for Me
Does Endometriosis Cause Hip Pain?
Leg Pain: Symptoms & Natural Remedies
Endometriosis-Related Back Pain

Pregnancy & infertility

For some, endometriosis can reduce fertility or cause infertility. For others, fertility might not be affected at all. Of those who completed our survey, 45 percent say they had difficulty becoming pregnant.

There are procedures that can help with fertility, including laparoscopy, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). About 1 in 4 survey respondents say they have had a surgery or procedure for fertility issues.

• 38 percent have children
• 20 percent are trying to get pregnant
• 6 percent have had IVF

Read more:
Treatment Strategies for People Who Desire Pregnancy
Infertility and Pregnancy Complications with Endometriosis
Forum: Conceiving, Pregnancy, Complications, Miscarriage, Fertility/Infertility
Endometriosis & Infertility: Planning, Coping, and Getting Through

Do you have more questions about endometriosis? Comment below or connect with the endometriosis community.

The 2020 Endometriosis In America survey was held online January through March 2020. The survey was completed by 1,234 people who have been screened to have endometriosis symptoms.