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 Walt Disney Productions released an educational film called "The Story of Menstruation" in 1946? And unlike many Disney love stories, it was quite factual and educational. The term "endometriosis", which describes a disease associated with the female menstrual cycle, had already been established a decade earlier, in the 1930s. Nevertheless, this disease is certainly not mentioned in the aforementioned short film. This is exemplary of the way endometriosis is still treated today. And this despite the fact that it affects at least one in ten women worldwide. If those affected were to write their own story of menstruation, it would most likely not be a Disney movie.

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 the resulting fertility problems, endometriosis is often diagnosed very late and has been researched far too little to date. Many women live with the symptoms of endometriosis for a long time before they receive clarity.

In this article, we answer the question: What is endometriosis actually - what symptoms does the condition cause, how is it diagnosed and what are the treatment options? We also shed light on how massages can help to alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis and improve general well-being.

Reading tipIf you want to learn more about how massages affect the whole body, read our article "From head to foot - where massages help".

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

More than "one in 10" sufferers - what is endometriosis anyway?

Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue can occur in various parts of the body, often affecting the ovaries, the bowel or even the bladder. These tissue colonizations cause inflammatory processes and often lead to pain. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue behaves in a similar way to the lining of the uterus. It breaks down 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, as the symptoms can easily be confused with other diseases or dismissed as typical menstrual symptoms. This is why it often remains undetected for far too long and therefore untreated. Let's first look at the signs that 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 varied and can be very different for each person affected. Some people experience silent foci of endometriosis where the disease goes unnoticed because it causes few or no symptoms. For others, however, the symptoms are severe and they look 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 also digestive problems. This is because the endometriosis tissue can affect the bowel or bladder.

For diagnosis and treatment, the most common and only way to date is laparoscopy, also known as laparoscopy. We discuss this in more detail in the next section. Unfortunately, there are still many people affected by endometriosis who, despite laparoscopy or other treatment approaches, continue to suffer with chronic pain live with chronic pain. This is often accompanied by additional pain disorders such as adenomyosis, fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome are also associated with endometriosis, which makes everyday life much 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 shows how diverse and varied the effects can be - and why it is so important to listen to your own body.

Diagnosis of endometriosis - an enormous challenge

The diagnosis of endometriosis is often a lengthy and frustrating process that takes years for many sufferers. The path from the first symptoms to a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis takes an average of 7 to 10 years. This is because the symptoms are often dismissed as "normal" menstrual pain or mistaken for 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 the laparoscopya minimally invasive laparoscopy. This procedure not only makes it possible to discover the endometriosis tissue, but in many cases also to remove it immediately in order to alleviate the symptoms. However, it often takes many years to reach this point, which is very emotionally and physically stressful for those affected. It is therefore all the more important to persevere and take your own symptoms that could indicate endometriosis seriously.

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

Treatment for endometriosis: these options are available

In short, there is usually no way around surgery, not only for diagnosis but also for lasting relief. The removal of the endometriosis tissue by laparoscopy is also the most common form of treatment.

Of the existing options excision - i.e. the complete excision of the tissue - is considered to be significantly more effective than sclerotherapy. The latter can only remove the tissue superficially, which means that deep foci of endometriosis often remain and the symptoms persist.

Our tip: When choosing a clinic for treatment, it is generally advisable to certifiedcertified endometriosis centers centers. You should also talk to the doctor performing the laparoscopy about which method will be used to remove the endometriosis. If the clinic only uses sclerotherapy to treat endometriosis, you should get a second opinion elsewhere.

In addition to surgery, a drug treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms. Hormonal therapies aim to regulate the menstrual cycle and inhibit the growth of endometriosis tissue. Hormone treatment is often used as soon as endometriosis is suspected, and in many cases also after surgery to prevent the formation of new lesions. The disadvantage is that these medications often have side effects, which is why many patients affected by endometriosis also rely on complementary therapies in the long term.

This includes a targeted dietwhich can have an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as Exercise and physiotherapywhich promote blood circulation and relieve pain. Also phytotherapy (herbal medicine) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have also proven effective for many as supportive measures in the treatment of endometriosis. As chronic pain disorders often also affect the psyche, it can also be helpful to seek therapeutic help for endometriosis. There are also many self-help groups for those affected by endometriosis.

Reading tip: Especially with 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 massages help with endometriosis?

Chronic or chronicized pain often leads to muscle tension. In the case of endometriosis, the back and pelvic muscles are particularly affected. Anyone who suffers for years from the pain that endometriosis can cause develops tension in these areas in particular, which needs to be relieved. Massages can be used to provide relief here.

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

Another method is the independent abdominal massagewhich those affected can use themselves to promote blood circulation in the abdomen and relieve tension. These gentle massage techniques help to reduce pressure in the pelvis and can relieve pain if used regularly.

Massage chairs or other massage devices such as TENS units also offer an effective way to relax and relieve pain. Massage chairs simulate various massage techniques that can relieve tension in the back and neck. 

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

Massages cannot replace the complementary medical treatment approach for endometriosis, but they can be a valuable tool to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from endometriosis.

Treating symptoms of endometriosis: what can I do?

Life certainly doesn't feel like a Disney movie for endometriosis sufferers. It is probably more comparable to the brutal plots on which many fairy tale films are based.

Endometriosis is a daily challenge for many sufferers, but there are ways to counteract the symptoms. From surgical interventions to alternative healing methods and massages - a combination of different 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 that little bit easier. And if you are suffering from unknown symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional and be persistent so that endometriosis does not go untreated.

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