Endometriosis and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
What is Endometriosis?
As defined by the World Health Organization, endometriosis is characterized by endometrial-like tissue present outside the womb. Tissue is typically observed within the pelvic cavity, but is also found within the abdominal cavity. These tissues contribute to mild to severe pain, organ dysfunction, inflammation, adhesions, scarring, and sometimes infertility.2
Endometriosis is more commonly found in those with a uterus. However, endometriosis was found in a 40-year-old male with abdominal pain. About 18 male endometriosis cases were documented in 2018.1 Those with a uterus can experience pain during and in between periods, or with or without routine menstruation.
What are the symptoms?
Below are common and not-so-common symptoms of endometriosis.2
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic pain that gets worse after sex or pelvic exam
- Abdominal and pelvic pain apart from menses
- Chronically heavy or long periods
- Bowel or urinary disorders, often associated with periods
- Painful sexual activity, particularly with penetration
- Significant abdominal and lower back pain with menses
- Allergies, migraines, or fatigue that tends to worsen around menses
- Catamenial pneumothorax (with lung endometriosis) (Rare)3
What causes Endometriosis?
No single research has found the cause of endometriosis but there are several theories. Some theories include immunologic dysfunction, stem cells, genetics, and environmental toxins.4
What are my options?
The gold standard diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery to identify the extent and location of endometriosis. Endometriosis can be removed via excision surgery. Additional relief options include pelvic floor therapy, talk therapy, nutrition counseling, and support groups. These therapies can be used before and after surgery. You can utilize them if you decide to manage symptoms without or with surgery.
How can pelvic floor therapy help?
Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce pain by addressing symptoms that come along with endometriosis. Tight muscles within the pelvic floor and surrounding areas can develop from increased pain and stress. Pelvic floor therapy addresses joint mobility, lymphatic drainage, weakened muscles, and tension within the pelvic and abdominal cavity. Muñoz-Gómez et al. found that “manual therapy techniques a protocol based on manual therapy techniques improves pelvic pain, the endometriosis health profile, and physical quality of life. This study found that progress and pain reduction were maintained at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups.5
Whether you have a diagnosis or experience endometriosis-like symptoms, you may benefit from a pelvic floor assessment to provide symptom management and education. Working with skilled providers can be life-changing. If you are seeking more support and education, contact us here.
References:
- Rei C, Williams T, Feloney M. Endometriosis in a Man as a Rare Source of Abdominal Pain: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2018;2018:1-6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2083121
- World Health Organization. Endometriosis. World Health Organization. Published March 24, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
- Yao J, Zheng H, Nie H, Li CF, Zhang W, Wang JJ. Endometriosis of the lung: A case report and review of literature. World journal of clinical cases. 2023;11(18):4326-4333. doi:https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v11.i18.4326
- Lamceva J, Uljanovs R, Strumfa I. The Main Theories on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(5):4254. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054254
- Muñoz-Gómez E, Ana María Alcaraz-Martínez, Mollà-Casanova S, et al. Effectiveness of a Manual Therapy Protocol in Women with Pelvic Pain Due to Endometriosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(9):3310-3310. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12093310
