Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue resembling the lining of the womb develops outside the uterus. It can cause painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during or after sex and, in some people, bowel or urinary symptoms.
Endometriosis can involve structures around the bladder and pelvis, and its symptoms can overlap considerably with bladder pain syndrome and pelvic-floor dysfunction.
Importantly, the amount of endometriosis does not necessarily correspond to the amount of pain experienced.
How Chinese herbal medicine can help
Chinese herbal medicine can be used alongside conventional care to help manage symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful periods, menstrual irregularity and accompanying digestive or urinary symptoms.
Treatment is tailored to the individual. Depending on the presentation, the approach can involve improving pelvic circulation, reducing inflammatory symptoms, regulating menstruation and addressing accompanying digestive, urinary and pain symptoms.
Research into Chinese herbal medicine for endometriosis-related pain is encouraging in some areas, although further high-quality research is needed.