Endometriosis Awareness Month

If you’ve ever been told that your painful periods are “normal” or something you just must put up with you’re not alone. Endometriosis Australia reported that 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at

birth, or 14% of girls and women in Australia are now estimated to live with Endometriosis. This is an increase from previously reported 1 in 9 or 11%.

So, what is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue (endometrium) similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it often in the pelvis, around the ovaries, bowel, or other nearby structures.

This tissue still responds to your monthly hormonal cycle, which can lead to inflammation, irritation, and pain. Over time, it can also contribute to scar tissue and changes in how the body moves and functions.

It’s not just about periods

While painful periods are a common symptom, endometriosis can show up in lots of different ways, including:

•  Ongoing pelvic pain (not just during your period)

•  Pain with sex

•  Bloating or that uncomfortable “endo belly” feeling

•  Pain with bowel movements

•  Fatigue that just doesn’t go away

•  Difficulty with trying to conceive

Some people have severe pain with very little visible endometriosis, while others have extensive disease with fewer symptoms. Your experience is valid, no matter what it looks like.

Why does it hurt so much?

Endometriosis pain isn’t coming from just one place, it’s often a combination of things happening at once:

•  The body’s inflammatory response

•  Muscles in the pelvic floor tightening or guarding

•  The nervous system becoming more sensitive over time

•  Changes in how tissues move due to irritation or scarring

This is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works and why support that looks at the whole body can make a real difference.

Where does physiotherapy fit in?

This is where women’s health physiotherapy can be incredibly helpful. Our role isn’t to “fix”

endometriosis but to help you feel more comfortable, more in control, and more confident in your body.

Here’s how we can support you:

•  Helping your pelvic floor relax: Many people with endometriosis have a pelvic floor that’s working overtime. Instead of strengthening, the focus is often on learning how to let go. This can assist with reducing pain with sexual intercourse, improving ability to use tampons and menstrual cups, releasing muscle tension that may be contributing to pain.

•  Calming the pain system: Pain is real, but it’s also influenced by how sensitive the nervous system becomes over time. Our team can guide you through understanding your pain, breathing and relaxation strategies and gentle ways to settle flare ups.

•  Getting you moving again: When you’re in pain, it’s natural to avoid movement. But the right kind of movement can help reduce sensitivity and improve how your body feels.

• Supporting your bowel and bladder health: Bowel symptoms are incredibly common with endometriosis but often overlooked. Physiotherapy can assist with reducing straining, improving bowel habits and coordinating your pelvic floor.

Endometriosis is complex, and the best care often involves a multidisciplinary team approach. This can include your GP, gynaecologist, physiotherapist, dietitian and psychologist with you being at the centre of that team.

When should you reach out?

If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life (even a little) it’s worth getting support.

Living with endometriosis can feel frustrating, isolating, and at times overwhelming. But with the right support, many people find ways to reduce their pain, better understand their body, and feel more like themselves again.

If this sounds like you, please reach out to organise an initial consultation with one of our team members.

info@femalefocusphysiotherapy.com

By Stephanie McKenzie