Endometriosis makes tissue in the uterine lining grow abnormally outside the uterus, primarily in spots like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic region. This misplaced tissue behaves as it does inside the uterus: it thickens, deteriorates, and bleeds during every period. This tissue gets trapped because it can’t leave the body, which causes different health problems. Here are four symptoms of endometriosis and how they’re treated:
Severe Menstrual Pain
The main sign of endometriosis is severe pelvic pain and cramps that come on before your period starts. Women often feel intense pain during their periods that can feel like stabbing or burning, and this pain can stick around for days. The cramps may be bad enough to stop you from doing your usual things and daily tasks. Doctors usually treat this problem with medications such as birth control pills or GnRH agonists that help keep your periods regular. Doctors can choose to prescribe stronger pain medicine options, including prescription painkillers and nerve pain relievers. You can reduce daily pain by using heat packs, getting acupuncture treatment, and doing simple exercises. When symptoms become severe, doctors may use laparoscopic surgery to eliminate the abnormal endometrial tissue.
Pain During Sexual Activity
Endometriosis makes sex painful for many women. The pelvic pain usually stays for a few hours following sexual activity. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps ease muscle tightness and should lower pain levels. You can also lessen pain by choosing comfortable sexual positions and having intercourse when your cycle is less painful. Many women feel better when their doctors give them hormone treatments or local pain-relieving gels to use. Talking to your partner about which positions are comfortable and how fast to go helps control pain during sex.
Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
Women who have endometriosis often have intense periods that fill pads or tampons every one to two hours. Your menstrual flow usually extends past seven days while releasing large clots and pieces of tissue. Birth control with hormones, such as some IUDs or day-after-day birth control, can lessen both how often and how much you bleed. To prevent anemia due to heavy bleeding, your doctor may give you oral iron supplements. Certain healthcare providers suggest using tranexamic acid during heavy menstruation to slow down bleeding. If other treatments fail to work, doctors might suggest endometrial ablation for more intense cases.
Lower Back and Abdominal Pain
Pain that lingers in your lower back and belly can make it difficult to move or stand with your full range of motion. Doctors typically use physical therapy sessions and special exercises to strengthen your core muscles. For sudden worsening of pain, doctors may give you medicine to reduce swelling and relax your muscles. Many women see improvement in their symptoms when they receive ongoing massages or chiropractic treatments. Yoga and stretching exercises should help keep your body limber and relax tight muscles. Doctors who focus on pain relief may suggest blocking pain signals with special treatments when the pain interferes with necessary activities.
Manage Your Endometriosis
Endometriosis shows up first with painful periods and unusual bleeding, but it can spread through the body, causing ongoing pain, digestive problems, and feeling worn out all the time. Doctors usually treat endometriosis with different methods working together: hormone treatments, pain relief strategies, physical therapy sessions, and changes to daily habits. Surgery becomes an option when other treatments don’t work. Contact a medical provider today who can help you manage your endometriosis symptoms.
