Many women feel isolated and confused when they have been diagnosed as suffering from endometriosis. Who do you turn to when your family and friends do not understand? They may find it difficult to understand your feelings and are not always able to provide the support and help you need.

A support group such as the Endometriosis Association ends that feeling of being alone. You can meet and talk to other women suffering from the same condition as you.

It is a time of sharing and learning and provides an opportunity to express your thoughts when your family and friends are tired of listening. On a very practical level, joining a support group offers a chance for you to hear how other women have coped with pain, to discuss difficulties in getting a diagnosis and to learn about choices of treatment, side-effects and outcomes. Support groups can help to overcome confusion by providing easily understood information and access to relevant material which can help you to make decisions about your treatment.

Your questions are answered and your feelings of being overwhelmed are lessened. Receiving current and accurate information about endometriosis makes it easier to talk to your doctor and gives you the confidence to ask questions without feeling intimidated by the medical profession.

In a time of crisis, you can discuss your problem with other women who have been through similar experiences.

But belonging to a support group does not mean dwelling on the negatives — it is an opportunity to share the good and to provide mutual support. It is a give and take situation where women can share their own experiences with others which, in turn, helps to eliminate the myths and fears about endometriosis and its treatment.

Partners and friends are also encouraged to attend discussion sessions so they too can learn about this chronic illness.

Through a support group, you can look for ways of producing positive action to help make doctors aware of the suffering and debilitating effects this disease can cause.

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