SYNOPSIS
Endometriosis: the Musical is a humorous and playful look at the deeply flawed world of healthcare and the complex, and oftentimes infuriating, realities of navigating a system built for anyone but you. Following the journey of one woman searching for a diagnosis for her chronic pain, Endometriosis: the Musical invites the audience to confront taboos, laugh until they cry (or maybe both at the same time), and sing along with the brilliantly catchy score.
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often extremely painful disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it instead. Endometriosis most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Sometimes, endometrial-like tissue may be found elsewhere in the body -- as far away as the brain.
On average, endometriosis takes a decade to diagnose. It affects 1 in 10 people who menstruate (not just women!) worldwide. There are treatments, but there is no cure.
SYMPTOMS
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with extremely painful menstrual periods. Pain also may increase over time.
Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
-
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
-
Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
-
Pain with bowel movements or urination. You're most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.
-
Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
-
Infertility. Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
-
Other signs and symptoms. You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
The severity of your pain may not be a reliable indicator of the extent of your condition. You could have mild endometriosis with severe pain, or you could have advanced endometriosis with little or no pain.
TREATMENT
Treatment for endometriosis usually involves pain medication, hormone therapy or surgery. The approach you and your doctor choose will depend on how severe your signs and symptoms are.
RESOURCES
Documentaries
Endo What?
Below the Belt
https://www.belowthebelt.film/
Advocacy and Support Organizations
Minnesota Endo Warriors
https://www.mnendowarriors.org/
Books
Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis
https://bookshop.org/books/beating-endo-how-to-reclaim-your-life-from-endometriosis/9780062861849
Know Your Endo: An Empowering Guide to Health and Hope with Endometriosis
DISCLAIMER
The information presented in Endometriosis: The Musical and/or this website and associated social media is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All the content including text, graphics, images, music and information is for general informational purposes only.
Endometriosis: The Musical makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information it presents. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.