Endometriosis: how to minimize the pain and tackle the cost

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition in which tissue, similar to the tissue that lines the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, primarily in the pelvic region. This tissue can grow on ovaries, fallopian tubes, the bladder, bowel, and other structures of the body that lie within or near the pelvis. One of the primary symptoms of endometriosis is chronic pelvic pain, which is a result of inflammation from the tissue growths that can eventually lead to internal scarring and adhesions.

An exact cause of endometriosis has not been discovered. However, researchers believe that it may be related to genetic factors, immune system deficits, and hormonal imbalances. Many theories for the cause of endometriosis have been suggested, but none fully encompass the wide range of clinical manifestations associated with the condition. One widely plausible theory is that endometriosis is caused by retrograde menstruation, a common phenomenon in which some of the tissue shed during menstruation flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the abdominal space where the stomach, intestines, and liver are contained.

Common symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis can result in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can vary between onsets and also from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Painful periods
• Painful bowel movements
• Digestive problems
• Deep pelvic pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Infertility

Pelvic pain associated with endometriosis is commonly characterized as chronic, cyclic, and progressive, with periods of exacerbation.

The severity of these symptoms can also vary from person to person. It is also important to note that some people with endometriosis may not experience any symptoms at all, which obviously prevents significant challenges. The condition can be very difficult to detect in asymptomatic cases without coincidental surgical examination.

Prevalence and diagnosis of endometriosis

Endometriosis is estimated to affect up to 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 worldwide.

Women are most commonly affected in their 30s and 40s, but endometriosis can occur in women of any age who menstruate. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in women who have a family history of the condition and also in those who have never given birth.

In order to definitively diagnose someone with endometriosis, a surgical examination must be performed. For this reason, the exact prevalence of endometriosis is hard to define, as it is often underdiagnosed. It can take an average of 4-11 years for a proper diagnosis to be made, since a wide range of symptoms can overlap with other gastrointestinal or gynecological conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some of the symptoms, like pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, can also be considered a normal physiological response to menstruation, further contributing to this diagnosis challenge.

Endometriosis can have a crushing impact on quality of life

The physical symptoms of endometriosis, which can be quite debilitating, are only half the battle for those suffering from this condition. Many individuals with endometriosis also deal with high stress levels, fatigue, depression, and poor quality of sleep.

The negative impact of endometriosis can be attributed to many factors including pain, reduced physical and sexual activity, infertility, and frustration due to missed or delayed diagnosis. People suffering with endometriosis often face challenging mental health problems that coincide with their symptoms.

Endometriosis, along with many pelvic health conditions, is highly stigmatized due to menstrual taboos, gender bias, lack of awareness, and its impact on fertility.

The stigma associated with endometriosis is crushing and often prevents people with the condition from talking about their pain, seeking help, accessing appropriate treatment, and advocating for themselves.

Healthcare professionals, employers, and anyone supporting an endometriosis sufferer should continue to raise awareness by educating others about the condition. This public conversation is required to combat the stigma and empower individuals suffering from this condition to seek the treatment they need.

Endometriosis and pelvic care care options

While there is unfortunately no cure, the symptoms associated with endometriosis are addressable. Women shouldn't have to suffer and pelvic healthcare options are available to minimize pain, discomfort, and that impact on quality of life.

Care options include pain management, hormonal therapies, and surgery to remove the adhesions, lesions, and cysts formed by the tissue growth.

Often a combination of these options are required to treat the wide range of symptoms associated with this condition.

Sword Bloom's AI pelvic care helps women reduce pain from home

Bloom offers revolutionary virtual pelvic health care that allows women to access treatment from the comfort of their own home.

Pelvic pain management is effective for individuals suffering from endometriosis. Typically, people who present with any type of chronic pelvic pain tend to hold a lot of tension in their pelvic floor, abdominal, low back, and hip muscles. Over time, these muscles become tight and stiff, further contributing to the pain cycle, particularly during activities like using the bathroom and sexual intercourse. Chronic pelvic pain may also benefit from pain science and behavioral therapies as an essential component in holistic care.

Bloom helps individuals with endometriosis manage their pain and associated symptoms by teaching them how to relax and lengthen their pelvic floor muscles.

How does Bloom work?

Bloom guides patients through a customized exercise program, designed by a Pelvic Health Specialist, all of whom have Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. During the exercise sessions, members use the Bloom Pod by Elvie—an intravaginal device that connects to a mobile app and is used to exercise, track, and measure pelvic floor muscle movement and force, while in isolation or with abdominal, low back, and hip muscles, to provide real-time feedback and results.

Bloom's discrete alternative for women to access expert care from home

1. Bloom pairs its FDA-listed insertable Bloom Pod device with a smartphone app that guides patients through ten-minute exercise sessions.
2. Using smart AI technology, the device provides real-time feedback through the Bloom app and records the patient's muscle activity.
3. Each member is matched with a Pelvic Health Specialist who holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
4. The clinician reviews the AI-generated data from the member's exercises inside a secure portal, then sends coaching feedback, and adjusts difficulty as the member progresses.
5. Artificial intelligence flags adherence gaps to keep patients accountable to their healthcare targets
6. If more acute symptoms or problems develop, the Pelvic Health Specialist will refer the patient on to a relevant doctor immediately

Bloom is an ideal addition to supplement surgical care

If surgery is part of the overall treatment plan, Bloom may even help augment surgical outcomes, pre and post-operatively, by providing education on scar management, core activation and strength, and muscle flexibility.

Lastly, it is common for the endometrial tissue to affect and surround the urinary and intestinal system, often causing painful pees, frequent urinary urges, bloating, or constipation. Bloom provides education on how to optimize bladder and bowel health with instruction on digestive massage techniques, dietary considerations, and healthy bladder and bowel habits.

Bloom is available through employers and health plans. Give your members and employees the care they deserve. Learn more at swordhealth.com/solutions/bloom.

While we use the word "women" in some of our communications, Bloom is designed for all individuals with vaginal anatomy regardless of gender identity. This article is intended for educational purposes only, using publicly available information. It is not medical advice nor should it be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Please seek the advice of your physician or another licensed medical provider for any health questions or concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or contact your relevant local emergency provider immediately.