Endometriosis is a condition that affects women and girls. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus ends up in other areas of the body. These areas include the ovaries, bladder, bowel and digestive tract.
Endometriosis will affect nearly one million Australian women and girls in their lifetime. Many high-profile Australians are affected by endometriosis including Bindi Irwin , Sophie Monk and former Yellow Wiggle, Emma Watkins . Symptoms of endometriosis include intense pelvic, abdominal or low back pain (that is often worse during menstruation), bladder and bowel problems, pain during sex and infertility.
But women and girls wait an average of seven years to receive a diagnosis . Many are living with the burden of endometriosis and not receiving treatments that could improve their quality of life. This includes physiotherapy.
How is endometriosis treated? No treatments cure endometriosis. Symptoms can be reduced by taking medications such as non-steriodal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen) and hormonal medicines. Surgery is sometimes used to diagnose endometriosis, remove endometrial lesions, reduce pain and improve fertility.
But these lesions can grow back . Whether they take medication or have surgery, many women and girls continue to experience pain and other symptoms. Pelvic health physiotherapy is often recommended as a non-drug management technique to manage endometriosis pain, in consultation with a gynaecologist or general practiti.