Endometriosis 101
The month of March is not only Women’s History Month, but a month dedicated to a very common but poorly misunderstood condition that affects millions of people around the world: endometriosis. While it may not be a household name, endometriosis is a very real and very serious condition that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
What is endometriosis? Well, to put it simply, endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it. This can happen in a lot of different places, such as your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even your bladder or intestines. It might not sound too bad, but when that tissue starts to grow and thicken, it can cause a lot of pain, especially during your period.
Since the tissue is still impacted by hormonal changes during a monthly cycle, it receives a signal that it needs to be leaving the body but it has nowhere to go. This is why many people with endometriosis have painful periods. There is all this tissue responding to hormones telling it to leave. However, many people with endometriosis have pain outside of their periods. That’s because this tissue can cause adhesions making organs stick to areas which can cause pain. They may also report things like pain with urination, pain with bowel movements and pain with sex.
But why does this happen? Honestly, we don't really know. There are a lot of theories out there, but nothing concrete. Some people think it might be genetic, while others believe it's caused by problems with your immune system. But whatever the cause, the symptoms are often the same: pain, heavy periods, painful or difficulty with bowel movements or urination, and even infertility in some cases.
The good news is that endometriosis can be treated. If you're experiencing symptoms, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They might recommend pain medication, birth control, or even surgery. But having a multi-disciplinary team is essential for addressing the symptoms associated with endometriosis. Many patients benefit from dietary changes and acupuncture for pain relief. Pelvic floor physical therapy is often very helpful to address tension and restriction in the muscles that can contribute to pelvic pain, bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction. Physical therapists can provide various exercises and relaxation techniques as well. For patients that have had surgery to remove their Endometriosis, a pelvic floor PT can address any scar tissue that occurred from the surgery.
In conclusion, endometriosis is a complex and often painful condition that affects millions of people around the world. Sadly, for the average patient it takes twelve years to receive a diagnosis. But, while slow, progress is being made as more funding has been put into researching this condition and different advocacy groups have been working to make this condition more well known. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor and seek help. You are welcome to contact us if you are looking for resources in your area.