With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found elsewhere in the body. This tissue is commonly found in the pelvis but can occur anywhere in the body. There are even reports of this tissue showing up in the heart, lungs, or brain.
Normally, on your period, the endometrium breaks down and exits the uterus in the form of blood. With endometriosis, the endometrium-like tissue breaks down in the body the same way (ie. thickens, breaks down, then bleeds), but it doesn’t have anywhere to go. This can cause severe pelvic pain, infertility, and digestive problems, to name a few.
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnosis and is treated with pain relievers, hormone treatment, and surgeries to remove the tissue.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address symptoms associated with endometriosis. We can help treat pelvic pain, back pain, painful intercourse, urinary frequency and urgency, and increased tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
Some great resources for endometriosis: