Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSupportive TherapiesSurgerySelf-Care & Pain ReliefMental Health & TherapySupport Groups
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Supportive Therapies
Surgery
Self-Care & Pain Relief
Mental Health & Therapy
Support Groups
Endometriosis supportive therapy is a comprehensive approach to treatingendometriosis(endo). It involves nonsurgical treatments you can try to help manage your symptoms before seeking surgery or integrate into a postoperative plan.
This article reviews treatments like pelvic floor physical therapy, massage, nonhormonal and hormonal medications, herbs, devices, self-care, mental health therapy, and support groups. It also discusses the role of surgery in endometriosis treatment.
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Supportive Therapies to Manage Endometriosis
Endometriosis—a disorder in which tissue similar to that of the uterine lining grows outside the uterus in areas it does not belong—does not have a cure. However, a treatment plan that combines the following strategies can help reduce symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT)
When endometriosis contributes topelvic floordysfunction, it can cause pain, urinary disorders, bowel problems, and painful sex. Pelvic floor physical therapy improves the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles. Exampleinterventionsincludekegel exercisesand biofeedback.
Vaginal Dilator TherapyVaginal dilatortherapy utilizes soft medical-grade plastic or silicone cylindrical devices of increasing sizes that expand the vaginal canal gradually. Gently stretching and desensitizing the vaginal muscles and tissues helps reduce pain and enhance sexual comfort.
Vaginal Dilator Therapy
Vaginal dilatortherapy utilizes soft medical-grade plastic or silicone cylindrical devices of increasing sizes that expand the vaginal canal gradually. Gently stretching and desensitizing the vaginal muscles and tissues helps reduce pain and enhance sexual comfort.
Massage
When done as part of PFPT, massage involves a physical therapist using gentle pressure, stretching, or trigger point release to:
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptives (birth control) are the first line of treatment for endo. Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) are over-the-counter NSAIDs. If those options don’t manage your pain effectively, talk to a healthcare provider about prescription NSAIDs such as Celebrex (celecoxib) or Ponstel (mefenamic acid).
Endometriosis and Birth ControlHormonal contraceptivessuppress or regulate periods. While they are typically effective for endo, not everyone can take them because of medical history, side effects, or fertility concerns.In this case, talk with a healthcare provider about alternative supportive therapies.
Endometriosis and Birth Control
Hormonal contraceptivessuppress or regulate periods. While they are typically effective for endo, not everyone can take them because of medical history, side effects, or fertility concerns.In this case, talk with a healthcare provider about alternative supportive therapies.
Hormonal suppression agents or estrogen modulators are a second line of treatment for endometriosis and include:
Other medications include:
Self-AdvocacyIf you see a healthcare provider who dismisses your symptoms, consider getting a second or third opinion, preferably from an endometriosis specialist.You can also consider a pain management specialist who may suggest nerve blocks orBotox(onabotulinumtoxinA) injections.
Self-Advocacy
If you see a healthcare provider who dismisses your symptoms, consider getting a second or third opinion, preferably from an endometriosis specialist.You can also consider a pain management specialist who may suggest nerve blocks orBotox(onabotulinumtoxinA) injections.
Herbs
Consult a healthcare provider before taking herbs or supplements to ensure safety.
Herbal pain reliefoptions include:
The following may help balance hormone levels:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Unit
Acupuncture
Acupunctureis an ancient Chinese therapy wherein a practitioner inserts thin needles into specific points on the body to promote the flow of energy and alleviate pain.
Chiropractics
Chiropractic carefocuses on spinal adjustments and alignment to enhance nervous system function, potentially alleviating pelvic discomfort and nerve pain (likesciatica) and improving overall well-being.
A Word From VerywellIt’s usually best to explore all treatment options before moving to surgery. However, when your symptoms are still affecting your quality of life despite conservative measures, surgery may be a necessary option.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
It’s usually best to explore all treatment options before moving to surgery. However, when your symptoms are still affecting your quality of life despite conservative measures, surgery may be a necessary option.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
It’s usually best to explore all treatment options before moving to surgery. However, when your symptoms are still affecting your quality of life despite conservative measures, surgery may be a necessary option.
—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
12 Natural Endometriosis Treatments
Role of Surgery in Endometriosis Treatment
Surgicalexcisionor ablation of endometrial implants and scar tissue may be necessary for those who do not respond to other treatments. Laparoscopic surgery is the most common type. However, it is not a cure, andsymptom recurrenceis possible.
Can You Prevent Endo From Spreading?While there is no guarantee, one goal of hormone therapy is to prevent endometriosis from spreading.
Can You Prevent Endo From Spreading?
While there is no guarantee, one goal of hormone therapy is to prevent endometriosis from spreading.
Endometriosis Self-Care and Pain Relief
Self-care involves the following:
For immediate pain relief, you can try:
8 Yoga Poses for Endometriosis Pain Relief
Which Foods Improve and Which Worsen Endo?
There is not one specific diet for those with endo. However, some find an anti-inflammatory diet beneficial. It helps to eat food (or take supplements) rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and zinc), probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium.
Examples include:
You can also try avoiding the following foods and beverages as they may worsen endo symptoms:
Endometriosis Self-Care to Manage Symptoms
Mental Health, Therapy, and Endometriosis
Endometriosis can take an emotional toll due to chronic pain, infertility, frustration, sadness, depression, or anxiety. It can also impact your partner or spouse. They may struggle with feelings of helplessness or guilt. Therapy provides a supportive space to process emotions and develop coping strategies, independently or as a couple.
Support Groups for Endometriosis
Support groups, online forums, and social media platforms can provide advocacy, resources, and a safe space for sharing stories or seeking advice from peers.
On Instagram, you can find advocates or organizations such as.
Facebook examples include:
Online organization examples include:
YouTube videos can also be a valuable resource to learn about:
Summary
Endometriosis supportive therapy involves a comprehensive approach to treatment. It includes pelvic floor physical therapy, massage, medications, herbs, TENS units, self-care, and support groups. For some, especially those who do not respond to other treatments, laparoscopic surgical removal of endometriosis lesions may be part of their plan of care.
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