What a Pain!
- Pain can be experienced as mild to severe.
- Pain can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle.
- Pain may not be confined to the pelvic area.
- Pain can be experienced as inflammatory (due to inflammation), peritoneal quality (irritation of surrounding tissue in the abdomen), musculoskeletal (muscles and ligaments affected), and/or neuropathic (irritated nerves).
Pain greatly affects quality of life, sleep patterns, fatigue, ability to work or go to school, and the ability to perform normal daily tasks. It is important to identify what it causing pain. Other related conditions can contribute to pain. Removing endometriosis is a significant step in pain relief, but it is often not the only step. Identifying other conditions, such adenomyosis or interstitial cystitis, which may be contributing to symptoms is important as well. In addition, pain and other conditions can have an effect on muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Years of pain and untreated disease cannot be undone in a day. Medications, physical therapy, and other therapies can help (see “Treatments“).
