Endometriosis and the Pelvic Floor
What is endometriosis?
Are you experiencing painful periods? Painful intercourse? Abdominal bloating? Does all that sound familiar?
It is likely that you’ve heard of women experiencing something called ‘endometriosis.’ Yes, it sounds like a spell from a Harry Potter movie, but we promise you it’s not.
The term endometriosis comes from the word endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus. This is the layer that grows and thickens to prepare for a fertilized egg. It is also the layer that sheds during the menstrual cycle if the egg isn’t fertilized – yes you got it; this is a woman’s ‘period’.
Normally, endometrial-like tissue is not meant to be found outside of the uterus. However, this occurs in endometriosis; a chronic condition where endometrial-like tissue is found outside of the uterus, such as in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or tissues lining the pelvis.
What causes endometriosis?
We don’t know for sure, but we do know that there are multiple factors that can contribute to the development of Endometriosis. Research has proposed several hypotheses for how endometriosis develops, including:
● Retrograde (or backwards) menstrual flow
● Impaired immune function
● Genetics
● Hormones, such as increased levels of estrogen
Why is it a problem?
The endometrial-like tissue growing outside of the uterus can build up and become trapped. It does not shed and exit the body as it normally would if it was in the uterus. This build up of tissue can lead to chronic inflammation, causing tissues to adhere and stick to each other, forming painful cysts and scar tissue. Endometriosis can also cause a dysfunction in the pelvic floor’s ability to contract and fully relax.
How common is it?
Endometriosis affects 10% of females during their reproductive years, but prevalence can be as high as 70% in women with chronic pelvic pain. It is more common amongst women between the ages of 30 and 40 years.
Not all women experience symptoms. In fact, approximately 20-25% of women remain asymptomatic and often go undiagnosed. A laparoscopy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis.
How does it present itself?
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on quality of life. Common clinical manifestations include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)
- Infertility
Other clinical manifestations include:
- Painful urination or bowel movements
- Abdominal bloating or constipation
- Fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
Women with endometriosis shouldn’t have to accept living in pain. There are many different ways to help manage symptoms of endometriosis, and pelvic floor physiotherapy can help!
What does the Pelvic Floor have to do with Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect the pelvic floor muscles’ ability to contract and completely relax.
Overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles can contribute to symptoms such as painful period cramps and painful intercourse.
Pelvic floor physiotherapists can help restore optimal functioning of the pelvic floor and help women manage their symptoms so that they can live a more comfortable life. If you have been diagnosed or suspect that you have endometriosis, we encourage you to reach out to one of our pelvic floor physiotherapists to get you started on your wellness journey!
Book a complimentary consult or an initial assessment on our client portal!
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