Endometriosis Self-care tips from our clinical endometriosis specialists  | News

We caught up with Dr Yousri Afifi and Nurse Helen Walshe for Endometriosis Awareness Month who shared their top self-care tips and home remedies for women suffering with endometriosis. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis Self-care tips from our clinical endometriosis specialists.  

It is estimated that 1 in 10 women have the chronic long-term condition and have to undergo surgery to remove the endometrial tissue – in some cases, the condition can negatively impact fertility and can result in women undergoing a hysterectomy. 

The debilitating condition is estimated to affect 176 million women worldwide. Our clinicians have kindly put together some self-care tips this Endometriosis Awareness Month to remedy the pain that women may feel during flare ups.  

1. Speak up about your condition 

It’s important to be honest with yourself and your work/school about how endometriosis can sometimes affect you. Being in pain during work or in education can impede your concentration and mean that you may need time for yourself to nurse your pain or receive medical attention. You can discuss modifications to your obligations and adjust to your condition to allow you to prioritise your health and wellbeing.  

 

1. Stay educated and connect with others in a similar position 

Educating yourself on your condition can help you to understand your pain and remedy it. You’re already taking positive steps towards this by clicking on our article.  

You can read our article on End’ing the silence with endometriosis with Nurse Helen who shares her words of advice on reaching out. Read End’ing the silence. 

You can also read more about couple Devon and Sarah, who have been challenged with endometriosis and how they are currently connecting with other #EndoWarriors in the community. Read Devon’s Endometriosis story. 

 

1. Heat packs and ice packs to manage your flare ups 

Reduce your pelvic cramping and pain by altering the temperature depending on what feels best for you. The packs will change blood flow and nerve conduction having a more positive impact on your condition. This might involve taking a warm bath or using a heated blanket.  

 

1. Comfier sleeping  

Endometriosis can affect sleep if pain is intense during the evening which is why finding the perfect sleeping position is key to reducing cramps and flare ups. By combining heat with your position, you can make sleeping easier with less pain. This can involve moving into the fetal position or wedging a pillow between your legs whilst lying on your side in a dark room. Whilst this advice reflects similar to menstruation self-care, remember that endometriosis is much more painful, and self-care is much more essential compared to having your period.  

 

1. Take care of your mental health 

Endometriosis can have a significant impact upon mental wellbeing – being in pain frequently is a challenge that can reduce your quality of life in some cases. Feeling fatigued from your condition can increase your risk of depression.

Valuing your mental wellbeing just as much as your physical health is important in helping you to self-care. We all have our ‘off days’ but if this is becoming challenging, please seek support from a mental health advisor or speak with your GP about being referred to our accredited endometriosis service.