Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period this blood has no way to escape.
In the UK, 1.5 million approximately are living with this condition.
The symptoms can include:
Pain in your lower tummy or back.
Painful Periods.
Painful Bowel motions.
Pain during and/or after sex.
Fatigue/Lack of energy.
The Main treatment options for endometriosis include:
Surgery
-conservative (such as excision or removal of deposits of endometriosis with heat or laser, via keyhole or laporoscopy)
-complex (surgery involving the pelvic organs such as the bladder or bowel which may involve other members like a colorectal surgeon)
-radical (refers to removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and/or the ovaries (oophrectomy).
Hormone treatments
Hormone treatments work by reducing levels of oestrogen in the body preventing the lining of the womb and any endo tissue from growing quickly.
Pain relief
Heat and comfort
painkillers
TENS machines
Pelvic Health Physio
How can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy help with endometriosis symptoms?
We can address any bladder bowel or sexual dysfunction.
Assess pelvic floor muscle function - resting tone, muscle tender points, contractility and relaxation ability which may help with you manage your symptoms better.
Pelvic Health Physio treatment may include de-sensitisation techniques, pelvic floor manual release, breathing techniques, biofeedback, dilator use.
A Pelvic Health Physio can also support you with goal settings and coping skills to assist you develop skills on activity management around flare-ups.
We can also support you after any of the surgery mentioned above.
if you would like to ask any questions, feel free to book in one of out free 15min phone consultations.
See endometriosis-uk.org for more info.
