Endometriosis is a condition that can greatly impact your well-being, beyond just physical health. It has the potential to affect many parts of the body. Over time, managing endometriosis can take a toll on your quality of life. Find out how to live life to the fullest with endometriosis.
“The mental impact of pain and endometriosis are tied to physical well-being,” says Cara King, DO, a gynecologic surgeon and surgical educator at Cleveland Clinic. “They’re not separate things.”
Here are some helpful tips to help you live better with endometriosis.
Work With the Right Doctor
Endometriosis can be a complex disease. Not every gynecologist or OB/GYN is equipped to treat it. It may take some time for doctors to fully recognize your symptoms, resulting in delayed treatment and unnecessary frustration.
If your doctor can’t answer all your questions, or doesn’t fully recognize your symptoms, “it’s OK to get a second opinion,” King says.
Care for Your Mental Health
Ongoing pain from endometriosis can lead to depression and anxiety. If you’re not feeling your best mentally, your physical pain may feel even worse. It’s important to address your mental health as part of your overall endometriosis care.
Get Help for Your Sex Life
Endometriosis can make sex painful, and this can be tough on both you and your relationship. It’s important to speak up about your pain, and seek help from a sexual therapist if necessary.
Find the Best Exercises
Movement may help ease some endometriosis symptoms. It can lower estrogen and inflammation levels in your body, boost endorphins, and ease your pain.
“Exercise has become a really big thing in my life,” says Jessie Madrigal. Find out which exercises may be best for you to help you manage your endometriosis symptoms.