It may surprise you to hear that normal periods do not cause excruciating pain. Endometriosis does.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pelvic pain and make it harder to get pregnant. Many women seeking answers about the symptoms of endometriosis in Washington, DC come to us for guidance and relief.
When Does Endometriosis Develop?
Endometriosis symptoms can start very young. In fact, many of my patients say it starts from their very first period. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women worldwide. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for symptoms of endometriosis in Washington, DC can help manage the condition and provide relief from pain.
Endometriosis Can be Hard to Diagnose
It’s important to be informed about the symptoms of endometriosis so you can begin getting the help you need right away. Women in Washington, DC, often see several doctors before getting a proper diagnosis. Even then, it is very difficult to diagnose. Only a Gynecologist who has special training can diagnose it through diagnostic imaging or surgery. This delay can lead to worsening symptoms and unnecessary suffering.
That’s why understanding the symptoms of endometriosis in Washington, DC is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis in Washington, DC
The following are some of the most common symptoms of endometriosis that women in Washington, DC, may experience:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)
- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant
- Painful bowel movements or urination during menstrual periods
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Painful ovulation
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Irregular periods
While not everyone with endometriosis will experience all of these symptoms, women in Washington, DC, should be mindful of how their symptoms may relate to this condition. Consulting a specialist for symptoms of endometriosis in Washington, DC can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This is why getting a diagnosis from a gynecologist who specializes in endometriosis is important.
Here are some important things every woman should know:
Medical science is quickly advancing and making treatment more effective and accessible. There are still some common misconceptions. Having some good knowledge and knowing what questions to ask can help you find the best treatment for endometriosis.
Endometriosis is not completely cured by surgery alone.
Once it is removed, endometriosis can contribute to pelvic pain, pain with sex (dyspareunia), and digestive issues like constipation and bloating. Stress and anxiety can play a role in making the symptoms worse. The entire well-being must be considered. As a result, this is where pelvic floor physical therapy can help.
Endometriosis is not cured by pregnancy.
Some women experience fewer symptoms during pregnancy, but others experience more. You should never be pressured into using pregnancy as a treatment for a medical condition.
Diet and lifestyle changes do make a difference
While medications and surgeries are important options for women suffering from endometriosis, it is important to do what you can. Environmental toxicity from food contaminated with pesticides has been found to play a critical role in endometriosis. By eating organic and healthy foods and exercising, you can improve your body’s health and resilience to endometriosis. Your pelvic health physical therapist can help point you in the right direction with lifestyle advice.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help with symptoms of endometriosis
For many of my patients with symptoms of endometriosis in Washington, DC, pelvic floor physical therapy is the first place that they can get all of their symptoms treated at once. Because you can have pelvic or low back pain, abdominal pain, urinary issues, bowel issues, and sexual issues, it can take many doctors to help you find the right place to be seen for all of these. At Restore Hope PT, Dr. Hope specializes in this type of treatment.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can provide specific diet and lifestyle advice as well as exercises and techniques to strengthen and relax the muscles and tissues in the pelvic, back, and abdominal areas affected by endometriosis. This can help improve pelvic floor muscle function, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive, low-risk approach that can be used before surgery, or after surgery.
Begin Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Endometriosis Pain in Washington, DC
Live embodied. Don’t go it alone. Contact Dr. Hope at Restore Hope PT for a physical therapy assessment to see what kind of pelvic floor treatment is right for your endometriosis symptoms.
Contact us for a free consultation to start the process. Restore Hope offers free consultations so that we can help you navigate this confusing healthcare process. We also want to build a relationship with you right from the start.
To schedule the consultation, you can call or text me at 202-990-7177 or send an email to DrHope@restorehopept.com.
Other pelvic floor physical therapy services at Restore Hope PT.
Dr. Hope works on a wide variety of pelvic health-related issues. She works with female sexual dysfunction, constipation, abdominal pain, and chronic low back and pelvic pain.