Pain Management Strategies for Endometriosis: Tips for Relief

Uncomfortable menstrual periods are by no means uncommon for many women. However, those that are particularly painful and frequent could indicate endometriosis, a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus starts to grow in other areas, such as the outer surface of the uterus, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the bladder.

Normally what happens during a woman’s menstrual cycle is that the tissue lining the uterus grows thicker and breaks down as blood that exits through the vagina. With endometriosis, blood from the tissue growth has nowhere to drain but instead pools around nearby organs and tissues, inflaming them, causing irritation, and sometimes causing internal scarring. It can also cause bowel- and bladder-related problems, heavier periods, sexual discomfort, or infertility.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for endometriosis. Nevertheless, if you have been diagnosed with the condition, there are ways to manage your condition.

Treatments to Relieve Endometriosis Symptoms

Women suffering from endometriosis can minimize their discomfort with a number of pain management options. These include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Prescription or over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve pain.
• Hormone therapy – The goal of hormone medication in the form of pills, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injections, or nasal sprays, is to halt or modify the monthly egg-releasing cycle that generates the pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy – This method focuses on the group of muscles within the pelvis that supports your bladder, bowel, rectum, and uterus. When these muscles are too tight due to endometriosis, they trigger muscle irritation known as myofascial pain. Under the guidance of a trained physical therapist, you can alleviate myofascial pain with exercises designed to relax contracted and shortened muscles.
• Stress management – Chronic pain often causes stress which, in turn, heightens sensitivity to pain. Stress management techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and aromatherapy can help minimize your endometriosis discomfort.
• Lifestyle improvements – A regular exercise program, healthy sleep schedule, and a healthy, balanced diet can help you better manage stress and cope with endometriosis.
• Surgery – Depending on the level of your endometriosis symptoms, your doctor may recommend removing or destroying abnormal tissue growth, thus helping improve your quality of life and/or your ability to become pregnant.

In many cases, your doctor will recommend a combination of these treatments to ease and manage the pain linked to endometriosis.

Endometriosis Treatment Near You in Wooster, Ohio

At Wooster Community Hospital Health System, our board-certified gynecologists specialize in diagnosing and treating endometriosis, as well as other diseases of the female reproductive system, such as:

• Fibroids and polycystic ovary syndromea
• Menstrual irregularities
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• STD (sexually transmitted disease) tests
• Urinary problems such as bladder infections and incontinence
• Vaginal infections

As part of the Wooster Community Hospital Health System, the highly skilled providers at Bloomington Women’s Care focus on serving women’s health needs during all stages of life, including general gynecology care, minimally invasive surgery, and contraception services. To learn more about these services, call (330) 263-8144 to schedule a consultation today.