Endometriosis Cramps: An Ordinary Symptom Profusely Affecting a Woman’s Life
Cramps are one of the symptoms in women with symptomatic Endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects up to 10-15% of women of reproductive age, and approximately 70% of them experience chronic pelvic pain.
Though women tend to experience cramps during various phases of the menstrual cycle, Endometriosis cramps are often intense and debilitating symptoms.
The symptoms can be experienced in different phases of the menstrual cycle, severe cramps, often referred to as ‘killer cramps,’ hindering daily activities.
Unfortunately, for many women, there is a delay in the diagnosis of these symptoms, which leads to unnecessary suffering and reduced quality of life.
Therefore, this comprehensive article elaborates on the Endometriosis cramps, what they feel like, their causes, and effective treatment to improve the quality of life.
What do Endometriosis cramps feel like
Endometriosis cramps can be extremely severe, often lasting for more than one day and continuing even after the menstrual periods are over.
The cramps are described as intense and crippling pain compared to the regular menstrual and ovulation cramps.
It can be felt in the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back of the body and can significantly hinder some daily activities.
In addition to cramps, some other symptoms of Endometriosis include:
- Pain in the lower back and abdomen cavity
- Pain before, during, and after sexual intercourse
- Urination pain and urgency
- Painful bowel movements
- Constipation
- Rectal pain and bleeding
- Nausea, bloating, especially during periods
Does Endometriosis cause constant cramping
Yes, Endometriosis can cause constant or cyclic cramping or chronic pelvic pain, which often escalates during the menstrual periods.
Women with these intense, crippling, and unbearable cramps are recommended to seek medical attention to prevent its progression to severe Endometriosis stages.
Endometriosis cramps vs. regular cramps
The constructive overview elaborates on the differences between Endometriosis cramps and regular cramps during various aspects of a woman’s reproductive cycle:
Aspects | Cramps during Endometriosis | Regular cramps |
---|---|---|
Ovulation cramps | Dull or sharp pain on the side of the pelvis and abdomen | Mild to moderate sharp pain in the abdominal region or ovary |
Cramps before periods | Severe cramps | Mild to moderate cramps |
Cramps during periods | Abnormal pain | Periodic or usual pain or cramps |
Cramps during sex | Moderate to severe | Mild to moderate |
During PCOS | Intense pain and cramps | Severe cramps |
Cramps during ovulation
The ovulation cramps can range from mild to moderate sharp pain in the abdomen or ovary.
The cramps usually last until ovulation. It can cause pain for a few minutes to up to 48 hours and may subside on its own.
However, Endometriosis developed around the ovary or fallopian tube can elevate the cramps or pain duration during ovulation.
Endometriosis cramps before periods
Before periods, a woman can experience cramps in the lower back, abdomen, and pelvic region.
However, the cramps experienced before periods in women with Endometriosis can get unbearable, intense, and stamping.
Endometriosis cramps during periods
During periods, pain and cramps, also called Dysmennorhea, are normal and can subside on their own after some time.
However, Endometriosis cramps usually get worse during periods lasting for several days.
The cramps or pain can be observed in the lower abdomen region, pelvic region, and throughout the body, worsening the condition.
Cramps during sexual intercourse
Cramps or pain during sexual intercourse, also called Dyspareunia, is one of the symptoms of Endometriosis.
During sexual intercourse, the endometriosis lesions and nodules can be pulled and stretched, causing painful sexual experiences.
Also Read: If you want to learn more about the effect of Endometriosis on sex, read “How Do Endometriosis and Sex Affect Sexual Life?”
During Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Women with PCOS may experience severe menstrual cramps attributed to hormonal changes elevating cramps.”
The exact cause of PCOS cramps is associated with higher levels of Prostaglandin, causing contractions in the uterus.
It leads to pain when the uterus lining is shed during menstruation.
However, Endometriosis cramps can be different from PCOS cramps.
Endometriosis cramps compared to labor
As per the International Journal of Women’s Health, Endometriosis cramps can be comparable to labor pain.
However, different women may have different experiences and opinions on pain or cramps during Endometriosis.
But for some women, the painful symptoms need prompt medical intervention to find relief.
Struggling with Endometriosis hold over your daily life?
Seek solace and relief with specialized aids from WowRxPharmacy.
Regestrone 5mgDanogen 100mgHow to relieve Endometriosis cramps
Cramps during Endometriosis can be relived in the following ways:
- Medications: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed to alleviate the Endometriosis cramps, such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac
- Heating pads: Applying a heating pad is one of the most convenient ways to alleviate cramps in the lower abdominal and pelvic region
- Exercise: As per a 2022 study, regular exercise has shown to positively affect and have a protective effect against diseases involving inflammatory processes
- Pelvic massage: Pelvic massage can reduce the menstrual pain and cramps caused by Endometriosis
- Acupuncture: As per a 2023 study, acupuncture is a safe and effective method of relieving Dymennorhea and shortening pain duration in women with Endometriosis
- Hormonal pills: Mini pills, or Progestin-only pills, are commonly used for the treatment of Endometriosis pain or cramps
Also Read: To get a comprehensive understanding of effective hormonal contraceptives, read “Bridging Relief: Birth Control for Endometriosis Symptom Management.”
Women can incorporate these lifestyle changes and medications to manage the severity of Endometriosis cramps.
Further, it is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner, seek medical intervention, and follow the medications or treatments timely to alleviate cramps.
Conclusion
Endometriosis cramps are one of the symptoms of Endometriosis and affect many women worldwide.
The cramps can be extremely severe, often lasting more than one day and continuing even after periods are over.
Cramps during Endometriosis can be felt in the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back region of the body and may cause constant cramping in some women.
There is a difference between regular cramps, such as during ovulation, periods, sexual intercourse, and PCOS, and cramps during Endometriosis.
Fortunately, the cramps can be managed with heating pads, medications, exercise, pelvic massage, acupuncture, and hormonal pills.
Therefore, consult a healthcare practitioner and seek treatment to improve the quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Endometriosis cramps feel like?
Endometriosis cramps can be extremely severe and continue even after the menstrual periods are over. The cramps are described as intense compared to the regular menstrual and ovulation cramps. It can be felt in the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back region of the body and can significantly hinder daily activities.
How to help Endometriosis cramps?
Women with Endometriosis can manage cramps with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen. Further, heating pads, medications, exercise, pelvic massage, and acupuncture effectively alleviate cramps and pain. Moreover, women can take prescribed hormonal pills, such as mini-pills, to treat cramps.
How long do Endometriosis cramps last?
The cramps during Endometriosis can last for more than one to several days, even after the menstrual periods are over. The condition may cause severe and intense cramps during this time. Women can use heating pads, exercises, pelvic massage, and acupuncture to alleviate the symptom.
How bad are Endometriosis cramps?
Endometriosis can cause intense and severely crippling cramps, which get worse during the menstrual periods. The cramps can be worse compared to ovulation cramps, cramps before and during periods. Therefore, consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt treatment.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.