Individuals diagnosed with endometriosis experience intense pain in their pelvis, abdomen, and in their lower back region. The pain becomes severe during the menstrual period, as the shedding of the endometrial-like tissues happens. The abnormal tissues act like the endometrial tissues of the uterusand affect the reproductive organs causing their implantation.
The menstrual periods will be very painful and the cramps felt will be very severe in those affected by a condition like endometriosis. This happens because of the implantation of affected tissues of the uterus in the uterine walls. These implants can also enter inside the fallopian tubes and reach the ovaries, thereby affecting these both too.
The periods will cause excessive bleeding because of the shedding of the endometrial-like implants along with the menstrual mucus and blood. Such people will also feel severe pain and discomfort during bowel movements and while having sexual intercourse. This happens because such activities put pressure on affected tissues, which causes their irritation, and ultimately leads to pain.
Effective remedies for endometriosis pain
To effectively manage the symptoms of endometriosis, one can try some home remedies along with professional medical treatment. Some remedies to try are given below:
- Warm bath– Such baths can be extremely relieving for individuals diagnosed withendometriosis. The warmth will have very therapeutic effects on the pain and inflammation. The pain and cramps will be alleviated to a greater degree.
- Heat pad therapy – Using a heat pad for pain relief will be very beneficial. The pad must be placed on the pelvis for some time. The heat therapy will numb the sensation and this is how the pain and cramps will decrease.
- Try yoga and meditation – Yoga is an effective practicethat is a combination of postures and deep mindful meditative exercise. It is highly beneficial for people having endometriosis. Some postures can be beneficial for strengthening the pelvic muscles, which will reduce the endometriosis pain.
- Perform light exercises – Doing some light exercises regularly will reduce pelvis pain and also relieve stress and anxiety. Stress can make the symptoms of endometriosisworse, so, to get rid of it some simple exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, etc., can prove to be highly effective. Such exercises releasemood-boosting hormones, which are known as “feel good” hormones that lower stress and anxiety levels.
- Eat healthy – Being mindful of your eating habits is necessary. Eating kinds of foods that are unhealthy and offer no nutrition to your body will make the condition even worse. You must stop consumingjunk and processed foods. Such foods usually have lots of sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined ingredients, which canhave a negative impact on your health. Your diet must be rich in plenty of leafy greens, vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Drink green tea – According to some studies, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce endometriosis pain and provide great relief from muscle cramps. Besides, drinking it regularly will also be helpful in slowing down the progression of endometrial tissue damage.
- Sip lemon water – Lemon water can alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis and provide relief from its side effects such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, nausea, and so forth. It is an excellent remedy against endometriosis pain.
- Take enough rest –Poor sleep quality can exacerbate the endometriosis symptoms. Going to bed at the same time every day will help you fall asleep at the same time automatically. Adequate resting is necessary, as sleep is a restorative activity that relaxes your entire body and speeds up the healing process. Resting profoundly impacts your mind and body.
Professional treatment
The pain in the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back can be managed very well with the help of medications. Your healthcare provider will suggest a combination of medications to alleviate the pain and cramps and slow down the progression of the condition. The following types of treatments are generally prescribed by the healthcare providers:
- Medications – The severity of the pain and cramps can be effectively reduced with some prescription or non-prescription (OTC)nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Your healthcare provider might suggest a combination of these medications and hormonal therapy to manage the endometriosis pain and cramps more efficiently.
Besides, some agonist and antagonist drugs can also be helpful for alleviating endometriosis pain and discomfort. They work by reducing the levels of hormones in the body that stimulate the release of egg (ovum) and cause menstruation. - Hormonal therapy – The changes in the level of hormones that trigger menstruation can contribute to intense pain and cramping. With hormonal therapy, these symptoms can be effectively managed.
- Surgery –If no other treatment or remedy is giving you results, and the condition is worsening, then your healthcare provider will suggest surgery. There are two types of surgeries, the first one is conservative surgery, wherein the uterus and ovaries are not affected, and the other one is a hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed to get rid of endometriosis.