Endometriosis is a big deal for women these days. As per the 2023 year WHO data, it’s a serious problem that affects about 5-10% of women in the reproductive age group (that’s around 190 million women around the world). It makes their bellies hurt a lot and all the time, makes them feel tired, sad, and worried, and can even make it hard for them to have babies. It happens when the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows in places it shouldn’t, outside of the uterus. Result? You end up living with endometriosis pain!
Yes, endometriosis can cause excruciating pain during periods, during intercourse, and so much pain that it might compromise the quality of life. So here we are today, to help you understand – how to deal with endometriosis pain.
How Do You Know that You are Undergoing Endometriosis Pain:
Endometriosis pain feels like sharp, stabbing cramps that can strike anywhere from the pelvis to the lower back. It’s like a relentless tug-of-war inside your body, worsening during periods and sometimes even during intercourse. Imagine a constant, gnawing ache that disrupts daily life and intimacy.
What are the Endometriosis Pain Types?
First, one to deal with endometriosis pain is the menstrual pain that’s pretty common and tends to hit right before or during your period. It can feel like intense cramping in your lower abdomen, often radiating to your lower back or thighs.
Then there are women living with endometriosis pain that they experience during intercourse and tend to ignore it. This can range from a sharp, stabbing sensation to more of a deep ache, and it typically happens during or after sex.
In some women, there’s chronic pelvic pain. This is more like a persistent ache or discomfort in your pelvic region. It might not be directly tied to your menstrual cycle and can last for days or even weeks at a time.
Lastly, pain with bowel movements or urination. Endometrial tissue can sometimes grow in less common sites, like on your bowel or bladder, causing pain or discomfort when you pee or poop.
What Triggers Endometriosis Pain Symptoms?
Before we come to how to handle endometriosis pain, let’s check out the factors responsible for it.
When it comes to endometriosis pain, here’s a bunch of stuff that can make endometriosis pain worse, and it’s different for everyone. First off, there’s the inflammation caused by tissue growing where it shouldn’t, like due to displaced or irritating endometrial implants.
Hormonal imbalance can make things worse too, like how you might feel crummy during your period. Sometimes, your nerves are extra sensitive down there in the uterine region. Then, there are these things called adhesions that can mess with how your insides are supposed to be arranged.
Other stuff like stress, diet, and genes can also hurt things more.
What Pain Relief Techniques Work Best?
There are various techniques on how to handle endometriosis pain, we break down these for you, but remember, not each attire fits all. So ensure you visit a gynecologist before selecting any:
1. Medication Options:
Living with endometriosis pain is not easy and thus there are medications under prescription from a certified health expert that can help you as pain relievers. Also, doctors often prescribe medications such as hormonal birth control or GnRH agonists, to help you overcome the issues if you already have a child.
2. Surgical Interventions:
At times the best way to relieve endometriosis pain is laparoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made in your abdomen to remove the endometrial tissue. It’s a common and effective way to relieve symptoms for many women.
“After the surgery, 83.3% of women who couldn’t get pregnant before because of endometriosis tried to have a baby. And out of those women, 80.0% were successful in getting pregnant.” – PubMed
3. Complementary Approaches:
In addition to traditional treatments, some women find relief through complementary approaches like yoga, acupuncture or physical therapy. No these cannot cure your problem but only help in endometriosis pain management.
4. Lifestyle Changes:
Well, how to deal with endometriosis pain management via your lifestyle? You simply need to have a healthy diet, do regular exercise, ensure that life-play-work balance is managing stress levels, and also you are getting enough sleep.
5. Alternative Therapies:
There are alternative therapies that some women find helpful, such as herbal supplements, dietary changes, or aromatherapy. Results may vary from body to body but yes these again cannot cure you and only help in easy living with endometriosis pain.
How Do You Cope Endometriosis Pain?
Unless you opt for a permanent solution or surgical intervention, the best way to relieve endometriosis pain is as below:
1. Coping strategies:
When it comes to endometriosis pain management, it’s all about finding what works best for you. Some women find relief through gentle movement practices like tai chi or swimming, while others swear by alternative therapies such as acupuncture or aromatherapy. You will have to try a bunch before you can find out which combination works best for you.
2. Emotional Management:
Living with endometriosis can be emotionally draining, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey.
“About 10% of women and girls of reproductive age worldwide, which amounts to around 190 million individuals, are impacted by endometriosis.” – PubMed
So chatting or meeting such fellow women via your doctor or psychologist will help you provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Online support groups, local meetups, or therapy sessions can offer valuable outlets for expressing your feelings and gaining perspective.
Additionally, go and explore your hobbies and join creative groups, listen to music, and find joy to relieve pain.
3. Communicating with Healthcare Providers:
Ideally for an answer to how to deal with endometriosis pain: We would suggest speaking to your doctor for immediate and permanent relief. Also, you can consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to appointments for additional support and advocacy.
How Can You Manage Endometriosis Pain?
- Keeping Track of Symptoms – whether you pen these down on a daily basis or use the latest app that can help you create weekly data, at the end of the day it will help you live with endometriosis pain, by ensuring you notice if certain things make your pain worse, like certain foods or activities.
- Handling Pain requires you to work with your doctor to figure out ways to deal with the pain. This might mean trying different medicines, changing your diet, or finding activities that help distract you from the pain.
- Must Focus on Getting Support from people who understand endometriosis pain management. Ensure your friends and family are aware of your health because in an emergency they will help you get the best doctor or the best way to relieve endometriosis pain.
- Knowing When to Get Help and here is where your medical expert is a must because when you get those deep pain pangs, you need to be rushed to the doctor! Do not try home remedies in that case.
Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Endometriosis Symptoms?
In conclusion, recent studies reveal that 80% of women with endometriosis report moderate to severe pain, impacting daily life significantly. Thus, it is best to consult your doctor and dig deeper into how to deal with endometriosis pain. Remember, NO TWO BODIES ARE THE SAME, so it is essential to find the best way for endometriosis pain management, that suits your body!
