Endometriosis
Home Treatment
Home treatment may ease the pain and discomfort of endometriosis. You can supplement your medical treatment plan with one or more of the following measures.
- Take an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) on a regular schedule. Check with your health professional before using a non-prescription medicine for more than a few days. (If there is a chance that you are or could soon become pregnant, do not use an NSAID. NSAIDs have been linked to increased miscarriage risk, especially when used at the time of conception and when an NSAID is used for longer than a week.12)
- Start taking the recommended dose as soon as your discomfort begins or the day before your menstrual period is scheduled to start.
- Take the medicine in regularly scheduled doses. Taking the medicine only when your pain is “really bad” is not as effective.
- If one type of NSAID does not relieve your pain, try another type. Or try acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
- Apply heat to your lower abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle, or take a warm bath. Heat improves blood flow and may relieve pelvic pain.
- Lie down and elevate your legs by placing a pillow under your knees. When lying on your side, bring your knees up to your chest to relieve back pressure.
- Use relaxation techniques and biofeedback. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
- Exercise regularly. It improves blood flow, increases certain pain-relieving substances naturally made by the body (endorphins), and reduces pain.
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Ralph Poore Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: September 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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