Imagine having a critical medical condition and not even knowing it. That’s the situation Reddit user SaltyBerlin found herself in when her gynecologist told her that she had endometriosis on her right fallopian tube and ovary. Despite having ultrasounds done due to an ectopic pregnancy (a frequent sign of endometriosis), her condition was never diagnosed — or treated.

That’s why raising awareness is so important, and there’s no better time than during Endometriosis Awareness Month, which is observed annually in March. Understanding this illness can hopefully help educate the public about its symptoms and treatments, support research efforts, and ultimately create compassion for those who sometimes suffer in silence. 

What Is Endometriosis?

The stats are sobering. Endometriosis affects between 2%-10% of American women between the ages of 25 to 40, according to Johns Hopkins. Often referred to as “endo,” endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, rectum, bladder, and even the bowel. 

The problem lies in the tissue (called endometrium) itself. During a typical menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens and sheds, causing bleeding. But the endometrial tissue that lies outside the uterus can’t shed, so it creates a buildup of endometrium and blood. The neighboring tissue may become irritated, forming scar tissue that can lead to adhesions.

Why Does Endometriosis Happen?

It’s not known exactly why endometriosis occurs. One theory is that endometrial cells migrate from inside the uterus to other parts of the body. It's also often attributed to a hormone imbalance, which causes cells to scatter throughout the pelvic region. Some researchers also think that endometriosis is the result of a weakened immune system that's unable to prevent cells from spreading.  

One thing is certain: multiple studies have shown that endometriosis is hereditary. When a person has a first-degree relative (think a parent, sibling, or child) who has the condition, those women are five to seven times more likely to have endometriosis, too. 

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis has a host of symptoms, but intense pelvic pain is by far the biggest indicator. This pain can be so overwhelming that it may prevent people from participating in normal everyday activities. Additionally, heavy blood flow (to the point that you could have blood in your urine or poop) is another symptom. Even going to the bathroom might cause you to double over in pain, contributing to tummy troubles like constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Pain during sex and excessive fatigue are also common. 

How Does Endometriosis Affect Infertility?

It’s estimated that one in five women will suffer a miscarriage. For women with endometriosis, the risk increases to one in four. And while ectopic pregnancy might affect one in 100 women, that number more than doubles for those suffering from endometriosis.

On top of an increased risk for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis can cause infertility. In fact, endometriosis is often cited as the underlying reason for infertility, according to a study published in the National Library of Science. The inflammation caused by this condition may create obstructions that block the egg from moving through the fallopian tube, affecting embryo implantation and impeding ovulation altogether. 

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed and Treated?

Unfortunately, endometriosis isn’t always easy to diagnose, since its symptoms appear as an exaggerated version of the menstrual cycle. That’s why it’s critical for people who are enduring these symptoms to speak to their doctor. Your OB-GYN will probably perform a pelvic exam to determine if there are any cysts on the reproductive organs or order an ultrasound or MRI to look for visible signs of endometriosis.

A more invasive (but highly accurate) way to test for endometriosis is by laparoscopy. Under anesthesia, your surgeon will make a small incision near your navel and then use a laparoscope (which is like a tiny camera) to check for endometrial growths. 

Endometriosis does not have a cure, but there are options to treat this condition. Pain management is a priority, and medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed. Some patients receive hormonal treatments (think birth control pills, IUDs, etc.) to help regulate menstrual flow. Surgery — such as a laparoscopy or excision surgery — is very effective in removing endometrial lesions and tissue. 

Many women endure the pain that comes with endometriosis, but there are treatment options. Education is essential, and knowing what endometriosis is (and more importantly, what the options are to treat it) can empower women to make the choices that are right for them to live their best lives.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kmpzzz/Shutterstock.com.

The post I Had Endometriosis. Here’s What I Wish I Knew Before I Was Diagnosed appeared first on Moms Who Think.

After months of feeding your baby formula or breast milk (or both), it’s finally time to start solids. But while some babies might eagerly eat avocado, others need a little coaxing to try carrots. So when the allure of fun new flavors isn’t enough, you might need to find products to make mealtime fun for your baby. 

Here’s the catch, though: if you’re trying to get your baby to finish their food, you may be tempted to take out a toy — but you shouldn’t. While stacking rings can be your child’s idea of a good time, using toys as a distraction is, well, just a distraction. Ideally, your child should be engaged enough that they look forward to mealtime. If they're engaged, they'll not only try new foods, but they'll start sharpening their fine motor skills at mealtime as well.

Get ready for your child to snag a seat at the table with you when you use these products that just might be love at first bite. 

Mini Mat

Price: $22.49

With so many baby products on the market, it’s easy to buy more items than you need. That’s what makes the Mini Mat from Ezpzfun so ideal. The two-in-one placemat pulls double duty as both a placemat and a plate.

Thanks to its suction feature, it won’t slip or slide, providing a stable base for your child to enjoy a meal. Fitting most highchair trays, the mini mat has three separate compartments, which gives your child the autonomy to choose the foods they want to eat.

Happy Sippy Cup

Price: $15

Your baby can inspire some positive vibes when they drink from Spearmint Love’s Glass Half Full Club Happy Sippy Cup. It’s made entirely from food-safe silicone and is both leak- and mold-resistant. It’s also durable, which comes in handy when your child drops or throws their sippy cup.

The grow-with-me cup is great for younger children when they’re learning to drink. As they get older, the handles can be removed, transforming it into a cup. To ensure the best product possible, the company worked with an occupational therapist on the design to ensure the product was perfect for little hands.

Dinosaurs Toddler Plate

Price: $27.30

Now your child can dine with the dinos when their string beans are served on the Dinosaurs Toddler Plate from Golden Rabbit Enamelware. The prehistoric-inspired plate features illustrations of beloved (and plant-eating) dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus and the Triceratops, which can be a fun fact to share with your child while they eat their broccoli.

With a hardened enamel surface, the non-toxic plate is both oven- and stovetop-safe. And who knows: the pictures on the plate might inspire your own tiny T-Rex to finish their meal, too.

Silicone Bib

Price: $15

Let’s face it: babies aren’t exactly neat eaters. That’s why the Jujube Silicone Bib is a perfect catch-all for those crumbs. The bib is made from food-grade silicone that's free from phthalates, lead, BPA, and PVS.

Ideal for babies 4 months and older, mealtime messes are no match for the big front pocket of this dishwasher-safe bib. Plus, its painless fasteners won’t pinch baby’s skin and they ensure that the bib won’t slip off mid-meal. Your curious kid can peruse the pouch and pick out any foods that they might want to save as a snack for later. 

Airplane Fork and Spoon Set

Price: $13.95

Give Grandma a break from saying, “Here comes the plane!” with a plain spoon and hand her a real airplane utensil instead. The Airplane Fork and Spoon Set from mypilotstore.com is made from stainless steel and food-grade silicone that doesn’t contain BPA or plastic. The set is also certified to meet US CPSC, FDA, and California Prop 65 safety requirements.

Dishwasher safe, the fork’s rounded tines mean that your baby won’t hurt themselves if they accidentally miss their mouth while they’re eating. The primary colors of the airplanes are sure to take your child’s meals to new heights.

Dress Up Plate

Price: $28

For fashionistas in the making, the Dylbug Little Me Collection is cuteness personified — literally. The customizable plates can be created in your little one’s likeness, from their skin and eye color, down to their hairstyle (if they have any, that is).

Add your child’s name in the color of your choice, and you’ve set the stage for some serious style. But it doesn’t end there. If you opt for the Plate + Cutter Set, simply use the included cutter — available in shapes like dresses or shirts and pants — to create outfits that are almost too cute to eat. 

Black Owned Baby Fork & Spoon Set 

Price: $6

From Black Owned Baby, this Bamboo Spoon and Fork Set will add some mealtime sophistication while your baby eats their sweet potatoes. The FDA-approved utensil set is a great way to support Black-owned businesses and is also free from all those icky things like BPA, PVC, latex, and phthalates.

Little hands will easily be able to grip the natural polished bamboo handles all while promoting their fine motor and gross motor skills. For teething tots, they can happily gnaw on the set, since it’s soft and gentle on sore gums. And when dinner is done, the dishwasher-safe set makes cleanup a breeze. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Liudmila Chernetska.

The post Make Mealtime Fun with These New Baby Products appeared first on Moms Who Think.