Understanding Endometriosis for All Genders
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis - aka endo - is a condition where tissue that is normally part of the reproductive tract ends up throughout the pelvis and abdomen. The most common symptom is PAIN. Pain can occur cyclically or randomly. It can also show up as BLADDER and BOWEL PROBLEMS.
What does Endometriosis feel like?
Endometriosis may feel like SEVERE CRAMPING in the abdomen, especially associated with a MENSTRUAL CYCLE. It can also feel like severe PELVIC FLOOR PAIN or LOW BACK PAIN.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis - aka endo - is a condition where tissue that is normally part of the reproductive tract ends up throughout the pelvis and abdomen. The most common symptom is PAIN. Pain can occur cyclically or randomly. It can also show up as BLADDER and BOWEL PROBLEMS.
What does Endometriosis feel like?
Endometriosis may feel like SEVERE CRAMPING in the abdomen, especially associated with a MENSTRUAL CYCLE. It can also feel like severe PELVIC FLOOR PAIN or LOW BACK PAIN.
A Note for Menstruators
DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT "EVERYONE HAS PAINFUL PERIODS.” If you have periods that keep you home from work/school, make you cry, or have you doubled over, it is very possible that you have endometriosis. However, endo can be present, even if someone has stopped menstruating.
Who Can Have Endometriosis?
While endometriosis affects about 1/10 people assigned female at birth, it can also occur in:
- Intersex people
- Non-binary people
- Trans women, trans men, & cis men*
FAMILY HISTORY is a strong predictor of endometriosis
*Only about 20 cases have been described in people assigned male at birth
How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Some providers will diagnosis endometriosis based on your history and a pelvic exam. Other providers may suggest LAPAROSCOPY, which involves exploration of the abdomen with special tools placed through small incisions. Some endometriosis is MICROSCOPIC and is only found through tissue samples collected during laparoscopy.
How do I get help?
- Talk to a trusted medical provider. Most people who suspect that they have endometriosis see a gynecologist
- Learn about treatment options, including medications, surgery, and pelvic floor physical therapy
What Can Physical Therapy do for Endometriosis?
Pelvic floor physical therapists (PFPT) can help you live better with the symptoms of endometriosis. To find a trans-competent PFPT, go to aptapelvichealth.org, select "For Patients", "Find a Physical Therapist", then "Select Transgender Pelvic Health."
Examples of Physical Therapy Treatment
- Training in abdominal and pelvic floor relaxation to reduce pain
- Bladder & bowel retraining
- TENS for pain control
- Hands on techniques to reduce pain
- AND MORE!
Need help navigating a possible endometriosis diagnosis? Want to know all the ways physical therapy can help with your endometriosis diagnosis and improve your quality of life? Reach out! We have years of experience helping people get their lives back on track.
About B3 Physical Therapy
B3 Physical Therapy was founded to provide comprehensive and inclusive care for very personal struggles where you feel most comfortable; your own home. Whether that be through telehealth or in person is up to you, as your physical therapist is vaccinated.
Specializing in women’s health physical therapy, diastasis recti, urinary incontinence, nonbinary and gender affirmation care, and more. In-home visits are available in Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Everett, Snohomish, Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Seattle, Lake Stevens, and Monroe. Special arrangements can be made for in-person appointments outside of Snohomish and King Counties.
