Tips to Cope With Endometriosis

TIPS TO COPE WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining tissue of the uterus grows outside it. It is one of the most common medical conditions prevalent in Indian women with about 10 million new cases recorded every year.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

1. abdominal, back and pelvic pain during periods
2. pain during sexual intercourse and bowel movements
3. menstrual irregularities
4. persistent discomfort
5. extended bleeding
6. mood swings and emotional distress
7. cramping, or nausea
8. infertility

Ways to Manage Symptoms of Endometriosis

1. Apply heat to your lower belly.
2. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle, or take a warm bath.
3. Heat improves blood flow and may relieve pelvic pain.
4. Lie down and place a pillow under your knees.
5. When you lie on your side, bring your knees up to your chest to relieve back pressure.
6. Use relaxation techniques and biofeedback.
7. Exercise regularly.
8. It improves blood flow, increases pain-relieving endorphins naturally made by the body, and reduces pain.
9. Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) reduce pain, inflammation, and bleeding from endometrial tissue.
10. Check with your doctor before you use a nonprescription medicine for more than a few days.

Endometriosis Surgery: Although surgery doesn't cure endometriosis, it does offer short-term results for most women and long-term relief for a few. Surgery may be recommended when treatment with hormone therapy has not controlled symptoms, and symptoms interfere with daily living, endometrial implants or scar tissue (adhesions) interferes with the functions of other organs in the belly or endometriosis causes infertility.

Other treatments/ modalities:
Acupuncture and acupressure are used to relieve pain.

Relieve stress: Relieving stress works as an excellent way to deal with chronic pain of endometriosis. Some common lifestyle changes which can reduce the stress of chronic pain are meditation, regular exercise, active social life, proper sleep, and balanced meals.

Get a hobby: Try spending some quality time doing work you enjoy, like, listening to your favourite music or watching your favourite DVD, reading or travelling, playing any sport and/or simply lying down with your heating pad.
Practice yoga: Make a routine to practice yoga regularly for physical well-being as well as inner peace. Yoga also helps in naturally balancing the hormone levels and thus support in healing the disease.

Plan for distraction from pain: For anticipated flair-ups of pain, you can always plan for the ideas of coping beforehand with your guardian/caregiver. Ideas, like planning a spa visit, avoiding outside foods, or watching a movie, can help to relax and distract your mind away from pain. Try to organize events and activities in your house to avoid getting uncomfortable.

Consult a psychiatrist: Consulting a specialist or a counsellor is always an overhead advantage for coping with endometriosis. Psychiatrists can teach you to the distinct ways to distract your mind from pain, control your mood swings, and maintain a positive state of mind.

Share and communicate: Communication with your close ones and sharing awareness can be supportive at times. Make sure you educate your close friends, family, coaches or close ones with information about endometriosis. Your friends, colleagues, and family members can only help if they are aware of your condition.

Educate yourself: There are many alternative therapies which are used extensively to manage endometriosis. Acupuncture and massage with or without heat are also known to be helpful for few women with pelvic pain. Complementary therapies for pain management include surgery, medication, and a combination of both. Consult your gynaecologist and educate yourself about these therapies and identify the most suitable for you.