Endometriosis is a gynecological condition affecting women and girls. The endometrium which is the tissue found on the surface of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity and also on the ovaries, on the tissues that line the pelvis and the bowel. The misplaced endometrial tissue goes with the menstrual cycle which becomes thick and breaks down. It has no way out of the body and becomes trapped and result to irritation and formation of adhesions and scars. This will result to severe pain during menstrual periods and a possibility of fertility problems which affects the quality of life of a woman.
Women of all ages are at a high risk of developing endometriosis, usually women ages 25 to 40. Endometriosis can be caused by a weak immune system of the body, genetics and environmental toxins such as dioxins that affects the body.
Symptoms of endometriosis
- Pain in the pelvic region and cramping during menstruation
- Severe pain during ovulation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain during bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Heavy or irregular bleeding during menstrual periods
- Swollen abdomen
- Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and nausea
Pain in the pelvic region and cramping during menstruation - The condition becomes better with the start of the menopausal period
Treatment
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin to lessen the pain and inflammation caused by endometriosis.
- Take a hot and cold sitz bath. A sitz bath cleans the perineum and for personal hygiene and provides relief from pain and itchiness of the genital area. Fill 2 large bathtubs where one is filled with water and the other bathtub with cold water. Place 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to the bath if desired. Sit on the hot water just until the waist for at least 3-5 minutes and then sit in the bathtub with cold water up to the waist for at least a minute. Repeat this procedure for 2-5 rounds for 3-4 times every week. The hot bath relaxes the pelvic muscles and lessens the pain and cramping while the cold bath lessens the inflammation and pain. Remember to avoid this procedure during the menstrual period.
- Take warm baths or apply heating pads to relax the pelvic muscles and minimizes the pain and cramping.
- Perform regular exercises to lessen the symptoms. Perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as swimming, running, climbing stairs and playing sports.
- Minimize consumption of carbohydrates and processed sugars to lessen the symptoms of nausea, fatigue and bloating.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis
https://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/ss/slideshow-endometriosis-overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656