Yes, There IS Hope for Endometriosis Pain Relief
Pain from endometriosis can be debilitating–while many deal with painful periods (a condition called ‘Dysmenorrhea’), it’s not unheard of to have chronic pelvic, back, abdomen and bladder pain.
While there is no cure for endometriosis, you can manage the pain with a combination of medication, physical movement, lifestyle changes and, for severe cases, medical procedures. Below, we outline common locations of endometriosis pain and your options for managing and relieving pain.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to endometrium grows outside the uterus, most commonly to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and stomach. These growths are called lesions. The condition is widespread, affecting as many as 1 in 10 reproductive-aged women around the world. Unfortunately, it is also alarmingly misunderstood–it can take anywhere between 7-10 years from the initial symptoms to get a diagnosis.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms in women who have endometriosis, with many citing chronic pelvic pain as an ongoing issue. However, due to the spread of tissue, you may feel pain in other parts of your body, and you might not even know it is due to this condition.
Endometriosis Pain Locations
Though we consider endometriosis a reproductive disease that primarily targets your pelvic organs, it’s truly a full-body disease. Locations of the lesions don’t always relate to the pain you feel. The pain can be localized to a lesion, spread out, or even a more generalized pain in one area, like your lower back.
Some common areas of pain people share are:
- Pelvis: This is the most common pain, reported as a dull ache or sharp pain throughout the month, though some report that it worsens during their period.
- Bladder: Endometriosis pain in the bladder often occurs during urination, called ‘dysuria,’ and has been compared to the stinging or burning sensation of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Back: Lower back pain is a common complaint. As with pelvic pain, some report that it worsens during their period.
- Bowels: Pain in the bowels is reported as a sharp or shooting pain before or during bowel movements that can happen at any time but often worsens during menstruation.
Why Do I Have Pain?
Some people report endometriosis pain in their kidneys or lower limbs, i.e., legs and feet. We don’t fully understand how endometriosis works, but most experts believe it’s tied to the tissue shedding during menstruation into the abdomen or other areas of the body. Additionally, inflammation and scar tissue can cause pain throughout the month and in various locations.
Treating Endometriosis Pain
Unfortunately, despite a growing body of research, there isn’t a cure for endometriosis. However, there are options to treat the symptoms, including pain. The options depend on the severity of your pain, age and plans to become pregnant. Your Square Care Health provider will work with you to find a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle while helping manage your symptoms.
Below, we’ve outlined what is currently available–though you should always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement.
Endometriosis Medication
Medication is the first-line pain management and treatment. You have several options, including:
- OTC Anti-Inflammatories: over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) are perfectly safe and effective if you only have pain during certain times of the month, like during your period. They provide temporary relief. But there is a limit to the amount you can take in a day, and long-term use can have adverse effects.
- Rx Pain Medication: Prescription pain medication, such as opioids or muscle relaxants, is much stronger and must be closely monitored by your provider. These are usually reserved for severe cases of endometriosis pain and often mean you cannot operate a motor vehicle or other machinery.
- Anti-Depressants: Some research has found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or antidepressants, are potential pain relief agents. They send messages to the body that reduce pain perception. SSRIs are only available via prescription and have possible side effects.
Hormonal Treatments
Hormonal treatments are broader in their symptom management. They work by slowing down abnormal tissue growth, which lowers inflammation and pain. You cannot get pregnant while taking many of these hormonal options. It is possible to become pregnant with endometriosis; your Square Care Health provider can work with you to find solutions and support you.
- Birth Control: Hormonal birth control, estrogen and/or progesterone are first-line endometriosis treatments. Combination contraception, including the pill, IUD, vaginal ring and patch, provide ongoing symptom management.
- Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogues: GnRH analogs slow down estrogen production, shrinking abnormal tissue and lesions.
- Androgen Receptor Agonists: These synthetic androgens, which are male reproductive hormones, suppress the growth of endometrial tissue. However, side effects, such as weight gain, bloating and loss of libido, make this an unfavorable treatment option.
Laparoscopic Surgery
In this minimally invasive procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen to remove lesions and scar tissue. Surgical options can be discussed with your Square Care medical provider as an option for treatment.
Natural or Home Remedies
While there isn’t a large body of research on how effective natural remedies for endometriosis are, some swear by several of the following:
- Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese medicinal practice is often touted for pain relief, among other ailments.
- Physical or Pelvic Floor Therapy: You can train the pelvic floor muscles as part of an overall treatment plan to stabilize your pelvis.
- Heat therapy: A heated pad, hot bath or hot water bottle is an affordable, accessible way to treat localized pain.
- Exercise: Some women report that low-impact workouts like yoga, tai chi and pilates help with chronic endometriosis pain, notably in the pelvic, back and abdominal areas.
Find Endometriosis Pain Relief in Long Island, NY
Endometriosis can be a painful condition, but you do have options. Whether you experience painful periods or chronic pelvic, back or abdominal pain, speak with your Square Care Health provider to review treatment options. Don’t suffer in silence; request an appointment today at one of our locations. With convenient offices in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens, we’re here to find a treatment plan that fits your needs.