Since you clicked on this article, chances are youre living withendometriosisand looking for ways to escape the pain.
We dont blame you.
This is because of thenumerous mechanisms of endometriosis pain.
Heather Hazzan
Its not just about the characteristic endometriosis lesions that grow and bleed on various internal organs.
Endometriosis can also cause pain through tissue or nerve damage and inflammation.
No matter when endometriosis pain strikes, finding relief is often a winding, frustrating journey.
Of course, the following suggestions are not a substitute for medical advice.
Now, lets get to the strategies.
Use two heating pads instead of one.
This humble and inexpensive at-home remedy is popular for a reason.
Heat can help relax pelvic muscles and reduce cramping, according to theMayo Clinic.
Since a lot of this pain has a muscular component, heat is definitely good, Dr. Dassel says.
Sink into a hot bath.
Sometimes Abby takes advantage of the fact that she works from home when dealing with endometriosis.
Take your heat therapy to go.
Sometimes you cant stay at home in a hot bath or with a heating pad resting on your abdomen.
Lindsey C., 27, tells SELF that she swears byTherma Care heat wrapsfor those situations.
They wrap around your body…and they last for eight hours.
I keep one in my desk at work, just in case I ever need it, she says.
Abby is also a huge fan of Therma Care heat wraps when shes on the move.
Consider seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist.
Nora N., 27, has undergone laparoscopic surgery for her endometriosis.
She is also on hormone therapy and medication to help with the pelvic nerve damage due to the condition.
When these measures didnt help her pain subside enough, a specialist referred Nora to pelvic floor physical therapy.
Nora tells SELF that this has been a lifesaver in managing her endometriosis.
Its essentially your body saying, Hey, this area hurts, dont use it.
It can be aggravated by yourperiodand activities like vaginal intercourse, bowel movements, urination, and exercise.
Nora, for instance, didnt have sex with her partner for two years.
I dont [know] whats doing what.
But Im certain I needed both therapy and meds to get to where I am today, Nora says.
But some people withendometriosishave used yoga to ease their discomfort when they feel up to it.
I definitely think yoga can be effective, he says.
In her research for alternative treatments, she came across claims that yoga could help.
I was skeptical but willing to try.
And much to my surprise, it proved to be very beneficial, she says.
Sabrina figured out which poses felt good by trial and error.
When that wasnt enough, she gave yoga a go after her ob/gyn recommended it.
If cannabis is legal where you live, consider trying it.
National Library of Medicine.
It doesnt take the pain away completely, and she still takes her prescribed medications.
However, It definitely helps significantly, she says.
Look into CBD orals or topicals.
I was desperate to try anything, she says.
[CBD] lessened the pain right away.
It helps me be able to stand upright and do the things I need to do, she says.
Youve probably heard a ton of buzz about CBD but may not be sure exactly what it is.
The theory is that, as a cannabinoid, CBD affects your endocannabinoid system, thereby reducing pain.
It needs further study, he says.
But I do find it interesting how many women have said its helpful.
I’ve heard that anecdotally from a lot of my patients.
You should definitelydo your researchto attempt to verify youre getting a quality product.
Look into getting a TENS unit.
[It] just takes the intensity away.
It sort of feels like a massage, she says.
[It] allows me to go to work on days I typically am curled up in a ball.
Dr. Dassel adds that he has patients who have used TENS units to reduce referred back pain.
If only it worked that way.
