Endometriosis Awareness
March is endometriosis awareness month, so we thought it would be a great time to re-visit a condition that often goes undiagnosed in our female population. The official numbers say that 10% of women of childbearing age are diagnosed with endometriosis. The actual number of women who are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis is significantly higher than this, with some estimates saying that >25% of women may be affected by extremely painful, heavy menstrual periods and a myriad of additional symptoms that may accompany this cyclical pain. Symptoms that are common with endometriosis include:
Pain during the menstrual cycle
Pelvic pain
Infertility
Heavy bleeding
Bloating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Fatigue
The official diagnosis of endometriosis can only be made with exploratory surgery to identify endometrial tissue present outside of the uterus. (Endometrial tissue is the tissue that is typically present on the inside portion of the uterus and is “shed” each month during a women’s menstrual period or is responsible to support/nourish a fertilized egg early in pregnancy). Since many women do not undergo this invasive procedure, the actual numbers of diagnosed cases of endometriosis are likely much lower than is currently present in menstruating women across the world.
Women who are experiencing heavy and painful periods have often been dismissed by health care professionals for their concerns, or have been told that it is normal to have these symptoms. It is not uncommon for a woman to see several providers before their symptoms are further explored, which can lead to significant emotional distress for the woman who is experiencing these difficult symptoms, in addition to the physical pain that they are enduring.
Pelvic floor physical therapists can be an extremely helpful tool in management of symptoms associated with endometriosis or suspected endometriosis. A pelvic floor physical therapist can directly help with providing hands on care for reducing pelvic pain, provide exercises or stretches to decrease pain, give guidance about nutritional components related to endometriosis, and assist in finding other health care professionals that may be a necessary part of the healthcare team for management of this complex diagnosis.
Maybe we are a little biased about the importance of a pelvic floor physical therapist in your care. Or maybe, we just truly believe that women should have access to providers who will truly will listen to the stories of women who have been struggling with these issues for years. In many instances, women are left feeling hopeless or defeated after their visit with a healthcare provider, but pelvic floor physical therapy is really about empowering women to take control of their bodies, even in the midst of a frightening diagnosis or the unknowns of a diagnosis beyond their control. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be one of the best steps to take in your healing journey if you’re experiencing some of the symptoms we have discussed in this blog. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment!
Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Specialist
