By Kelly Smyth
As the college year begins, most people are waiting in anticipation for the year to come. Whether it be your first time on campus or your final year, for some, it brings a unique kind of dread. For women who suffer with endometriosis, fearful questions like “how will I cope with the pain?”, “what if I bleed through my underwear?”, and “how can I do this?” are very real.
While I am not a doctor, I have somehow managed to get through my undergrad with crippling pain caused by my then undiagnosed endometriosis. If you suffer with endometriosis, or are yet to be diagnosed, here are some tips from my time in college that helped me thrive through it all. This list is simple and implementable in your everyday life, although should not be taken as medical advice- more so as a survival guide.
Dress Comfortably
This first entry is one that took me a long time to come to terms with. As a fashion lover who was excited to make friends (and romances) on campus, I was always cramming myself into stuffy jeans, tight tops and high shoes that made me look great… but feel awful. In hindsight I would have ditched the ‘put-together’ get-up and have put on some chic grey sweatpants a lot earlier. Most people already do by week two anyways.
On a health note, wearing loose clothing can be very beneficial for tackling that endo belly. Tight clothing has been found to increase the risk of a flare-up, with the increased pressure on the pelvic region potentially contributing to increased nausea and pain. So yeah, ditch the jeans.
Green Tea!
Yes, I know this sounds like one of those crazy wellness suggestions, but I wish I discovered it much earlier due to its benefits. Getting a little treat and coffee is a staple of campus social life- but it comes with its drawbacks for us endo girlies. Coffee can upset your abdominal region, and a high-sugar snack can increase inflammation- both things that can make for a nasty flare up. I speak from experience.
The solution? Green tea. Not only is it tasty, but some research suggests that agents within this herbal remedy can help prevent the growth rate of the endometriosis tissue. Additionally, the hot water can have anti-inflammatory properties. What’s not to love?
Avoid Alcohol
Ok, this one is incredibly difficult but one of the best sacrifices to make for your health. Sometimes it can be really hard to say no to a night out- but you might end up spreading yourself thin and in a lot of pain (beyond a hangover).
Alcohol is known to worsen the symptoms of endometriosis and may increase the risk of it developing. In my personal experience, I was left bed bound and vomiting for four days after one night out- even after just two drinks. In short, it triggered a major flare up that finally led to me getting my long-awaited diagnosis. This put a presentation I was doing at risk, and I still had to drag myself to campus in awful pain to ensure I passed the module. If you plan on putting your academics (and health) first, I begrudgingly suggest you bench the booze.
Make A Care Pack for Yourself!
This one is kind of cute and very practical. While stowing an extra pair of undies in your locker may not be the most glamorous- it’s a lifesaver on a bad flow day. This doesn’t need to be expensive or showy, just something to make you feel better on the bad days.
I would strongly suggest some paracetamol and magnesium as part of the pack. Magnesium is believed to aid in reducing pelvic cramping (I use it every day). If you love curling up with a hot water bottle- add a small sized version to your care pack! Most campuses have access to hot water for free, so it is easy to fill and then tuck into your waistband for comfort on a crampy day. Overall, it can make those days where you are struggling that bit better- perhaps to even stay another lecture.
Advocate for Yourself!
When it comes to endometriosis, communication is key. Having a hard time with pain to the point it is affecting attendance and grades? Let your lecturers know. They will try their best to accommodate you- you have an incurable illness after all. Telling my lecturers was honestly the thing that saved my GPA. The same applies to friends. If you are lucky to have a college friend group like I did, you will be met with understanding and kindness that you will be forever grateful for. And if they don’t treat you with dignity in the face of struggle? They probably shouldn’t be your friend