Endometriosis: Understanding Pain, Treatment Options, and Support

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide and can cause severe pelvic pain, fatigue and fertility challenges. Many women in Brisbane experience long delays before being diagnosed or offered appropriate treatment.

Understanding endometriosis and your treatment options empowers you to better manage symptoms, improve daily function and regain control over your health.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs. This tissue responds to hormonal cycles—thickening, breaking down and bleeding, including bladder, bowel and uterine —which can cause:

  • Inflammation
  • Scar tissue
  • Adhesions
  • Significant pain

Endometriosis is estimated to affect around one in seven women of reproductive age.

Diagnosis may involve:

  • Detailed symptom history
  • Imaging investigation (requires endometriosis specialised sonographer)
  • Sometimes laparoscopy

Working with a team that understands endometriosis—including your specialist, GP and pelvic floor physiotherapist—can make a big difference to your quality of life.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary between individuals and don’t always match the severity of disease. Common symptoms include:

  • Chronic pelvic pain, often worse during menstruation
  • Severe period pain
  • Bowel and bladder changes, particularly around your period
  • Painful intercourse
  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Fertility difficulties
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Lower back or pelvic discomfort

Some women with minimal visible endometriosis can experience severe pain, while others with extensive disease may have mild symptoms.

Endometriosis Causes

 

The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t fully understood. Theories include:

  • Retrograde menstruation – menstrual blood flowing backwards into the pelvis
  • Immune system changes – altered immune response to endometrial cells
  • Hormonal factors – oestrogen-driven condition
  • Genetics – family history increasing risk

 

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Conservative Management (Generally mild – moderate cases)

Non-surgical options are often used first and can include:

  • Regular gentle exercise
  • Stress reduction and pacing
  • Heat therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (as advised by your doctor)
  • Hormonal treatments (e.g. the pill, IUD, progestin-only options) to reduce bleeding and pain

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help manage pelvic muscle tension and pain, improving comfort with movement, intercourse and daily activities. Many women also benefit from integrating physiotherapy and clinical Pilates into their program.

Surgical and Advanced Options (Generally moderate to severe cases)

If conservative management doesn’t provide adequate relief, your specialist may discuss:

  • Laparoscopic surgery to locate and remove endometriosis lesions
  • More advanced hormonal therapies
  • Fertility-focused treatments if appropriate

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often used alongside medical and surgical care to optimise function and reduce pain.

Living Well with Endometriosis

Managing endometriosis usually involves a multidisciplinary team, which may include:

  • Gynaecologists
  • GPs
  • Pelvic floor physiotherapists
  • Psychologists or counsellors
  • Dietitians

Working with a supportive team can help you:

  • Better understand your body and triggers
  • Learn pain management and pacing strategies
  • Improve pelvic floor and core muscle function
  • Maintain participation in work, exercise and relationships

Self-care, rest, movement and emotional support all play important roles in living well with endometriosis.

Comprehensive Endometriosis Care in Brisbane

At Pelvic Prime & Physiotherapy Clinic, we provide specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy for women with endometriosis. Our team understands the complexity of pelvic pain and works with you to:

  • Reduce muscle tension and pain
  • Improve bowel and bladder comfort
  • Support sexual function
  • Build strength and confidence over time

You can learn more about our women’s health physiotherapy and meet our pelvic floor physiotherapists before your appointment.

Book Endometriosis Support in Brisbane

If endometriosis is impacting your daily life, you don’t have to manage it alone. Call 07 3366 0480 or book online to arrange a consultation with our pelvic health team. You can also leave a comment or question if you’d like more information before booking. Explore our service fees and read more pelvic health resources on our blog to start planning your care.