Endometriosis is an issue that affects the reproductive organs of a woman. It is a condition where the cells that look like the uterus lining, called the endometrial cells, grow outside the uterus. It can be inside the Fallopian tubes, over the ovaries, over the rectum, over the urinary bladder, and in the pelvic walls. For years, several kinds of research have been done to understand why endometriosis occurs in a woman’s body. However, no conclusion has been drawn so far. The most acceptable and understandable theory is that for reasons unknown, there is a reverse flow of the period blood. Instead of coming down into the vagina, this blood flow goes in the reverse direction through the Fallopian tubes into the ovaries and other pelvic organs. Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, especially during menstruation.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Pratibha Singhal, Director of- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetricians, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Noida, to understand some natural ways to ease endometriosis pain.

Symptoms of pelvic endometriosis pain

In the words of Dr Singhal, “Girls who are suffering from pelvic pain due to endometriosis suffer from excruciating pain, and unfortunately, this disease can never be totally cured. Due to the pelvic scarring and adhesions, there is constant pelvic pain.”

As per the expert, some other symptoms include:

• Heavy menses are often very painful and can affect the quality of life of a woman.
• Painful coitus and urination.
• Painful passage of stool.
• It can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.

Natural ways to ease endometriosis pain

The most immediate way to treat the pain is by taking anti-inflammatory medications, hormonal pills, and surgical treatment where ovaries are removed. Some of the natural ways to deal with endometriosis pain are as follows.

1. Healthy lifestyle

Dr Singhal advises every woman with endometriosis to live a healthy lifestyle, consume a healthy diet, and maintain optimal weight. Keeping your body active every single day and refraining from anything that is not healthy for your mind and body can keep the endometriosis symptoms at bay.

2. Using a heating pad

It is a well-known fact that whenever there is pain in any part of the body, the heat application method can be used to alleviate any form of pain. A heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hot towel can be used to put on the area of pelvic pain for relief.

3. Painkillers

In the words of Dr Singhal, “some of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like combiflavin will give temporary relief from the pain. But, they are certainly not the final answer”.

Also read: Important self-care tips for every woman fighting endometriosis

4. Castor oil

Castor oil has been used for so many years to massage the area around the pelvis to curb any pain. The castor oil can be heated mildly and a few drops of lavender oil can be added to it to minimise the strong smell of castor oil for the patient.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is said to be anti-inflammatory. Since endometriosis is principally an inflammatory disease, so using anti-inflammatory agents will be quite helpful. Turmeric is readily available in the form of capsules, or you can take it by boiling some of it in water. Also, turmeric tea can be made by boiling turmeric and ginger powder in water.

6. Anti-inflammatory foods

According to Dr Singhal, taking anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, broccoli, blueberries, ginger and chia seeds, etc. Foods that should be avoided are milk, milk products, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods with refined sugar.