Endometriosis

Health Topic: Endometriosis 

What is it?: Endometrial glands and cells appear outside of the uterine cavity, where they are supposed to live and stay. The most common locations for these ectopic (meaning an abnormal place or position) groupings are in the ovaries, the area between the uterus and the rectum and the uterosacral ligament.

Symptoms: While an important proportion of women with this condition may be asymptomatic, patients with endometriosis often manifest severe dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain not associated with a menstrual cycle, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, infertility, painful defecation during menstruation, urinary tract symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors: Still widely unknown, but genetics, environment, lifestyle and menstrual retrograde can all play a role.

Diagnosis and Treatment: There is still no effective treatment for endometriosis but there are pharmacological and surgical interventions. 

Tips from an Osteopathic Perspective: From a manual osteopaths perspective, we treat somatic dysfunction, or impaired or altered functions of the nervous, lymphatic and musculoskeletal system. So we will treat every patient with their unique and individual symptoms. If you come in with back pain, we will help address your concerns. If you are experiencing bloating, we make sure to do a full visceral and mechanical assessment for you.

THE TAKE AWAY:

If you are experiencing reproductive health issues, or suspect something isn’t functioning right, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.  Our menstrual cycle is a tool for us to understand our bodies and each aspect of it is a reflection of the state of our internal health. Especially if you are experiencing an unusual amount of pain, bloating, heaviness, irregularities and bleeding. As well, seeking complimentary healthcare providers that understand gynecological concerns is important. 

Contact Nicole Settimi, DOMP, RMT

www.onebodywellness.ca

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If you have a specific health concern you’d like me to address on my podcast, or you’d like to be a guest, email me.
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Nicole Settimi is a solo mom, an entrepreneur, manual osteopath and registered massage therapist. She built a successful health clinic in Ottawa, Ontario’s downtown core, where she provided healthcare services and a gentle escape from the stressors of daily life. While on maternity leave with her daughter, Nicole has decided to share her knowledge and clinical experience with the podcast world to help empower others to develop a strong sense of awareness and respect within their one body. 

Music: Spark Of Inspiration by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com