March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. If you are one of the two hundred thousand people in the United States who suffers from this disorder, hopefully you have a plan of care in action. Endometriosis can often be painful and last for years if not properly treated. 

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects the uterus. Tissue that normally occurs inside the organ instead grows on the outside. A patient suffering endometriosis may have this tissue growing on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms of endometriosis may include any or all of the following:

• Pain in the pelvic region, lower abdomen or lower back
• Heavy, unusual or painful menstruation
• Gastrointestinal problems

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, up to ten percent of American women suffer this illness. Up to half of women with endometriosis may have issues with infertility as a result. This disorder is diagnosed through a medical professional, often during a pelvic exam or laparoscopy. 

How is Endometriosis Treated?

Physicians and physical therapists offer different treatments for patients with endometriosis, depending on the patient’s diagnosis. Prescription medication, minimally invasive surgery, and hormone therapy are three such examples. Severe cases may require a hysterectomy. 

For relief from pelvic pain brought on by endometriosis, Bon Secours Physical Therapy offers physical therapy options for patients, including massage and manual therapy. Contact us today to learn more about the programs we offer for pain relief.