The Invisible Illness: Lets Talk Endometriosis

 

 

Endometriosis is a very common health problem in women! Approximately 176 million women around the world are affected by endometriosis!

Let’s put that in perspective a bit. If you know 10 women, then you know endometriosis! That’s right, its estimated that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age (15 to 49) live with this illness!

What is it?

It gets its name from the word, endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease which occurs when this tissue grows outside of the uterus on other organs or structures in the body.

Most often, endometriosis is found on the:

– Ovaries
– Fallopian tubes
– Tissues that hold the uterus in place (ligaments)
– Outer surface of the uterus
– Lining of the pelvic cavity

Other sites for growth can include the vagina, cervix, bowel, bladder, or rectum. In rare cases, endometriosis has been found in other parts of the body such as the lungs, brain and skin.

Patches of endometriosis respond to hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle building up and shedding as if it were in the uterus. With the passage of time, the growths of endometriosis may expand by adding extra tissue and blood, further developing the extent and coverage of the illness.

But why is this a problem?

Well you see, the tissue and blood that is shed into the body obviously doesn’t belong there. As the endometrial tissue continues to grow and develop it can absolutely wreak havoc on the women’s pelvic health.

The endometrial tissue outside of the uterus causes inflammation and the formation of scar tissue and adhesions (which is tissue that sometimes binds organs together). This scar tissue can lead to various different issues for the woman:

Painful periods; pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period.
Pain with intercourse
Pain with bowel movements or urination
Infertility; as endometrial tissue grows, it can cover and grow into the ovaries and block the fallopian tubes making it hard for women to become pregnant.

What can be done??

The cause of endometriosis is still unknown and there is no cure for it. If you do have a diagnosis from your doctor you most likely have experienced several laparoscopic surgeries, not only to have gotten the diagnosis but also to remove endometrial growths and scar tissue. Since there is no cure, even if the growths and adhesions are removed they will eventually return.

What if I told you that there is a holistic non-invasive approach to endometriosis symptom management?

As I stated previously, endometriosis can cause a serious and painful pattern of scar tissue gluing everything together into a restricted position. Organ immobility equals poor overall function. The Mercier protocol can help free up organ mobility by manipulating the tissue and increasing healthy blood flow to pelvic organs. This work doesn’t take the disease away, rather it will help curtail symptoms so that you can live a more normal life!

If you are interested or have more questions about symptom management with the Mercier protocol, Click here to book an initial assessment and discover what Mercier Therapy has to offer you!

– Nathan Lambert, DOMP