What is endometriosis and can massages help?

It is common knowledge that Disney films convey unrealistic ideas about love. But what about other topics that are part of growing up? Did you know that in 1946, Walt Disney Productions released an educational film called “The Story of Menstruation”? And, in contrast to many love stories from Disney, it was quite factual and educational.  The term “endometriosis”, which describes a disease associated with the female cycle, was established in the previous decade, i.e. in the 1930s. Nevertheless, this disease is certainly not mentioned in the short film mentioned. This is an example of how endometriosis is dealt with, which continues to this day. And this despite the fact that at least one in ten women worldwide is affected by it. If those affected wrote their own story of menstruation, it would most likely not be a Disney film.

Experts suspect that genetic factors play a role in the development of endometriosis and that the immune system is also involved. Despite the widespread symptoms such as pain, which often becomes chronic, or resulting fertility problems, endometriosis is often diagnosed very late and has been far too little researched. Many women live with the symptoms of endometriosis for a long time before they gain clarity.

In this article we answer the question: What is endometriosis actually - what symptoms does the disease cause, how is it diagnosed and what are the treatment options? We also look at how massage can help relieve the symptoms of endometriosis and improve overall well-being.

Reading tip: If you want to learn more about how massage works on the entire body, read our article “From head to the toe – massages can help here“.

Please note that this post does not replace medical advice. If you have any health problems, please always consult a medical professional and always discuss suitable individual treatment options with your doctor first.

More than “one in 10” affected – what is endometriosis anyway?

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus colonizes outside the uterus. The tissue can occur in a variety of places in the body; the ovaries, intestines or bladder are often affected. These tissue deposits cause inflammatory processes and often lead to pain. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue behaves similarly to the uterine lining. It builds up and bleeds - but the blood cannot escape, which leads to painful inflammation.

Source: https://www.endometriose-vereinigung.de/was-ist-endometriose/

Endometriosis is often only recognized very late because the symptoms can easily be confused with other diseases or dismissed as typical menstrual problems. That's why it often remains undetected and therefore untreated for far too long. First, let's look at what signs could indicate endometriosis.

Possible symptoms and causes of endometriosis

Just like the parts of the body where the disease can occur, the symptoms of endometriosis are incredibly diverse and can be very different for each person affected. Kicking some silent endometriosis lesions in which the disease goes unnoticed because it causes few or no symptoms. For others, the symptoms are severe and they are looking for treatment approaches that bring relief.

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are severe abdominal pain during menstruation, Pain during sexual intercourse, chronic back pain or even Digestive problems.  This is because the endometriosis tissue can affect the bowel or bladder.

For diagnosis and treatment, the usual and only way to date is laparoscopy, also known as laparoscopy. We will discuss these in more detail in the next section. Unfortunately, there are still many people affected by endometriosis who continue to suffer despite a laparoscopy or other treatment approaches chronic pain live. Often additional pain disorders such as Adenomyosis, Fibromyalgia or Irritable bowel syndrome with endometriosis, which makes everyday life even more difficult.

The exact causes of endometriosis are still not fully understood, but experts suspect genetic influences and an interaction of the immune system. Hormonal imbalances could also influence the disease. Endometriosis disease shows how diverse and different the effects can be - and why it is so important to listen to your own body.

Diagnosis of endometriosis – an enormous challenge

Diagnosing endometriosis is often a lengthy and frustrating process that takes years for many sufferers. The path from the first symptoms to a clear diagnosis of endometriosis takes on average 7 to 10 years. This is because the symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” menstrual pain or are confused with other illnesses. In many cases, those affected by endometriosis are sent from doctor to doctor for a long time without getting a clear answer.

The only way to clearly diagnose endometriosis is currently Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive laparoscopy. This procedure not only makes it possible to detect the endometriosis tissue, but in many cases also allows it to be removed immediately in order to alleviate the symptoms. But it often takes many years to get to this point, which is emotionally and physically stressful for those affected. It is therefore all the more important to remain persistent and take your own symptoms that could indicate endometriosis seriously.

What can you do specifically to relieve endometriosis symptoms and make your everyday life easier?

Treatment for endometriosis: These options are available

In short, there is usually no way around surgical intervention, not only for diagnosis but also for lasting relief. The Removal of endometriosis tissue Laparoscopy is also the most common form of treatment.

Of the existing options, this applies Excision – i.e. completely excising the tissue – is significantly more effective than sclerotherapy. The latter can only remove the tissue superficially, which means that deep endometriosis lesions often remain and the symptoms persist.

Our tip: In principle, it is advisable to choose the clinic to be treated zertified endometriosis centers to pay attention. You should also talk to the doctor who is performing the laparoscopy about which method will be used to remove the endometriosis. If the clinic only uses sclerotherapy to combat endometriosis, you should get a second opinion elsewhere.

In addition to surgery, a drug treatment help relieve symptoms. Hormonal therapies aim to regulate the menstrual cycle and inhibit the growth of endometriotic tissue. Hormone treatment is often used when endometriosis is suspected, and in many cases also after surgery, to prevent new lesions from forming. The disadvantage: These medications often have side effects, which is why many patients affected by endometriosis suffer long-term complementary therapies put.

These include a targeted Nutrition, which can have an anti-inflammatory effect, as well Exercise and physiotherapy, which promote blood circulation and relieve pain. Also Phytotherapy (herbal medicine) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have proven successful for many as supportive measures for the treatment of endometriosis. Since chronic pain disorders often put a strain on the psyche, it can be helpful to seek therapeutic help for endometriosis. There are also self-help groups for those affected by endometriosis in many places. 

Reading tip: Especially in the case of chronic pain, it is helpful to combine different approaches in order to achieve the best possible treatment success. You can find a deeper insight into effective pain management techniques in our article on Pain management.

Can massage help with endometriosis?

Chronic or chronified pain often causes muscles to tense up. With endometriosis, the back and pelvic muscles are particularly affected. Anyone who suffers for years from the pain that endometriosis can cause develops tension, especially in these areas, which needs to be resolved. Massages can definitely be used to provide relief here.

Physiotherapeutic massages are particularly recommended for tension caused by endometriosis. These are usually carried out by medical professionals and are individually tailored to the needs of those affected.

Another method is this independent abdominal massage, which those affected can use themselves to promote blood circulation in the abdominal area and relieve tension. These gentle massage techniques help reduce pressure in the pelvis and can relieve pain when used regularly.

Also Massage chair or other massage devices such as TENS devices offer an effective way to relax and relieve pain. Massage chairs simulate different massage techniques Tension in the back and neck. 

Reading tip: You can find out more about the various uses of massage chairs for medical complaints in our article “Are massage chairs medically useful?”.

Although massages cannot replace the complementary medical treatment approach for endometriosis, they can be a valuable tool to relieve discomfort and increase the quality of life of patients suffering from endometriosis.

Treating endometriosis symptoms: what can I do?

Life certainly doesn't feel like a Disney movie for those affected by endometriosis. It can probably be compared to the brutal plots that underlie many of the fairy tale films.

Endometriosis is a daily challenge for many sufferers, but there are ways to counteract your symptoms. From surgery to alternative healing methods to massage, a combination of approaches can often provide the best relief. That's why it's so important that you listen to your body and consciously take time for holistic relaxation - you deserve it!

Even a simple abdominal massage or the soothing use of a massage chair can help to relieve tension and make everyday life a little easier. And if you suffer from any unknown symptoms, speak to a medical professional and be persistent so that endometriosis is not left untreated.

Kapakimage: gpointstudio on Freepik, additional images: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography, Yan Krukau