Endometriosis can affect every person with a uterus differently, which means, unfortunately, there is no one, blanket solution that will deliver relief from endometriosis pain. Depending on your lifestyle and the areas you experience pain, there will instead be a variety of relief options available to try to find the answer for you.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful condition that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus begins to grow on areas outside of the uterus. There is a misconception that endometriosis involves the endometrial lining specifically, but it's actually possible for people without uteruses (such hysterectomy patients or cis-men) to have endometriosis too. Commonly involving the abdomen, pelvis, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, endometriosis can become a debilitating condition.
What Does Endometriosis Pain Feel Like?
Similar to menstrual cramps, endometriosis pain is often described as being far worse than typical monthly period pain. From sharp stabbing pains in locations throughout the body to gnawing, throbbing sensations in targeted areas, endo pain is different for everyone.
Endometriosis Pain Areas & Locations
This pain can be felt across various locations in the body, with sharp and intense sensations occurring across the pelvis and belly, in the legs, and through the lower back. Endometrial lesions tend to grow in locations around pelvic organs, including the intestines, bowel, and bladder, causing painful symptoms like irritable bowel disorder and diarrhea.
How to Relieve Endometriosis Pain
Finding the best endo pain relief can be a matter of trial and error, with different treatments proving more effective for some than others. Here are some of the most successful ways to help with endo pain relief:
1. Massage
For those experiencing pain and discomfort in locations like the back or abdomen, a massage can be a great tool for endo pain relief, with long-lasting effects. It will also help to alleviate stress, which contributes to the various symptoms you may be experiencing as part of endometriosis.
2. Exercise
While it might be hard to find the motivation to get up and move when in the throes of a particularly intense bout of endometriosis pain, exercise really can make you feel better. Regular walking, stretching, and breathing exercises can help to offer endo pain relief in different areas throughout the body.
3. Food & Drink
While it doesn’t work for everyone, a gluten-free or dairy-free diet may offer some relief from endometriosis pain by reducing inflammatory foods. Be sure to consult with your GP to ensure you won’t be cutting essential foods and nutrients from your diet. Increasing your intake of spices with anti-inflammatory properties, like cinnamon and turmeric, has also been suggested to help with intense menstrual pain.
4. TENS Machine
A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit emits vibrations to provide endo pain relief by relaxing the muscles. The pulses created by a TENS machine work to trick pain receptors, blocking the pain signals being sent to the brain.
Read More on Wellness
For more information on how you can give your wellness journey a boost, check out our VUSH Wellness Blog. Here you can find a variety of fascinating articles focusing on topics targeted to change the conversation around wellness. From learning how to support a loved one with endometriosis, the benefits of a TENS machine, or a better understanding of the 4 stages of the menstrual cycle, we are sure to have something to help you improve your relationships with yourself and others.
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