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21.03.2024

Endometriosis: What to do with acute symptoms and pain?

Not without painkillers: endometriosis sufferers often suffer in silence, as it often takes decades before a correct diagnosis is made. Although endometriosis affects one in 10 women of childbearing age, its research and treatment have long been inadequate. Fortunately, more and more efforts are being made to remedy this situation.

This is endometriosis

In endometriosis, cells that resemble the lining of the uterus settle in places where they do not actually belong, such as in the pelvis, ovaries, bladder or bowel. These so-called tissue islands (also known as foci of endometriosis) can occur without the affected woman feeling anything.

However, in one in 10 women, endometriosis develops into a chronic disease that can cause symptoms such as severe pain or even infertility.

The 9 most common endometriosis symptoms

Endometriosis is usually accompanied by very severe pain and problems with the menstrual cycle. The 9 most common symptoms are

Recurrent abdominal pain (may vary during the menstrual cycle)
Severe, often cramp-like pain during the period
Persistent pain, independent of menstruation
Irregular menstrual cycles, bleeding between periods
Abdominal and back pain
Pain during or after sexual intercourse or during gynaecological examinations
Digestive problems (flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation)
Bleeding from the bowel or bladder
Problems with fertility

What to do for acute endometriosis pain?

For acute endometriosis pain, we recommend tips & tricks that also help with common severe menstrual pain:

Heat: A warm bath, hot water bottle or heating pad will help relieve muscle cramps and pain and promote relaxation.
Relaxation techniques: You can help your body relax and reduce pain with techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or conscious breathing exercises.
Light exercise: Gentle yoga exercises or a short walk improve blood circulation, which can also reduce pain. Be sure to listen to your body and do not overload yourself.
Sufficient sleep and a healthy diet: With a healthy lifestyle, you can actively counteract inflammatory processes in your body.
Medication: Medication can reduce inflammation and relieve acute pain. However, you should not take them over a long period of time or in excessive doses. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe other medications to treat the acute pain of endometriosis, such as hormone therapies or muscle relaxants.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you suspect you have endometriosis, be sure to consult your gynaecologist as soon as possible. Talk openly about your symptoms, their frequency and intensity. Don't be afraid to be open about your problems. In the past, illnesses that only affect women were often belittled and their symptoms played down («Are you on your period?»). As a result, women often suffer in silence. This doesn't have to be the case: Listen to your gut feeling and do something about your pain and problems.

Depending on your age and family planning status, there are different ways to treat endometriosis. These range from drug treatment or certain hormonal contraceptives to an operation in which endometriosis lesions are removed or directly cauterised. If family planning is complete, removal of the uterus or both fallopian tubes and ovaries is also an option.

We are here to help you

Our gynaecological specialists are available to you throughout Switzerland. Make an appointment, we take you seriously and are there for you.

Privatklinik Bethanien

Prof. Dr. med. Christian Breymann

Specialisation
Gynaecology, Obstetrics

Book an appointment

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Privatklinik Bethanien

PD Dr med Daniele Perucchini

Specialisation
Gynaecology, Obstetrics

Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Nina Hartung

Specialisation
Gynaecology, Obstetrics

Book an appointment

Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Ina Lück

Specialisation
Gynaecology, Obstetrics

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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Jean-Luc Huttenmoser

Specialisation
Gynaecology, Obstetrics

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Clinique Générale-Beaulieu

Dr. med. Anne-Catherine Erbrich

Specialisation
Gynaecology, Obstetrics

For more information

Treatment of endometriosis and endometriosis symptoms

Endometriosis

Treatment of gynaecological diseases and tumours at Swiss Medical Network

Gynaecology