Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
Endometriosis is a common chronic non curable neuro-inflammatory condition, which can cause endometriosis-related pelvic pain (ERPP). Sufferers may struggle with side effects and/or risks from conventional medical and surgical treatments, or not get pain relief. Increasing numbers of endometriosis p...
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F1000 Research Ltd
2024-11-01
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| author | Elizabeth Ball Jessica Desai Sophie Strong |
| author_facet | Elizabeth Ball Jessica Desai Sophie Strong |
| author_sort | Elizabeth Ball |
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| description | Endometriosis is a common chronic non curable neuro-inflammatory condition, which can cause endometriosis-related pelvic pain (ERPP). Sufferers may struggle with side effects and/or risks from conventional medical and surgical treatments, or not get pain relief. Increasing numbers of endometriosis patients wish to explore holistic management with fewer side effects, however it is important that medical professionals maintain an evidence-based practice for recommended treatments. We present up-to-date evidence of holistic strategies used for managing ERPP including nutrition, body and mind therapies, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the use of adjunct devices such as phallus length reducers and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Recent findings: Nutrition: Gluten-free, low-nickel and high intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids diets improve ERPP. Low FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols), plant-based diet and antioxidant vitamin supplementation is helpful including those with concurrent irritable bowel syndrome. Body and Mind: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is beneficial in postoperative pain reduction, whilst mindfulness has been shown to reduce pain scores and dyschezia. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy and regular yoga sessions improve ERPP and Quality of life. Acupuncture: Acupuncture and moxibustion show improved pain scores compared to conventional therapies alone. Adjunct devices: TENS improves deep dyspareunia and reduces the number of days pain is experienced. Summary: Holistic management strategies for ERPP should be incorporated into routine counselling when discussing conservative, medical and or surgical treatments for endometriosis. The growing evidence presented for the use of holistic management strategies gives hope to those patients who cannot have, or don’t respond to conventional approaches and as an adjunct alongside standard treatments. These findings should be incorporated into the routine counselling when seeing patients in the gynaecology outpatient setting presenting with chronic pelvic pain. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a9c7284e33ca4f9280497a9cec32ca22 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2046-1402 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-a9c7284e33ca4f9280497a9cec32ca222025-08-20T02:19:34ZengF1000 Research LtdF1000Research2046-14022024-11-011310.12688/f1000research.142586.2174168Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]Elizabeth Ball0Jessica Desai1https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3323-4113Sophie Strong2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, E1 1FR, UKCentral and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UKDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, E1 1FR, UKEndometriosis is a common chronic non curable neuro-inflammatory condition, which can cause endometriosis-related pelvic pain (ERPP). Sufferers may struggle with side effects and/or risks from conventional medical and surgical treatments, or not get pain relief. Increasing numbers of endometriosis patients wish to explore holistic management with fewer side effects, however it is important that medical professionals maintain an evidence-based practice for recommended treatments. We present up-to-date evidence of holistic strategies used for managing ERPP including nutrition, body and mind therapies, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the use of adjunct devices such as phallus length reducers and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Recent findings: Nutrition: Gluten-free, low-nickel and high intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids diets improve ERPP. Low FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols), plant-based diet and antioxidant vitamin supplementation is helpful including those with concurrent irritable bowel syndrome. Body and Mind: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is beneficial in postoperative pain reduction, whilst mindfulness has been shown to reduce pain scores and dyschezia. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy and regular yoga sessions improve ERPP and Quality of life. Acupuncture: Acupuncture and moxibustion show improved pain scores compared to conventional therapies alone. Adjunct devices: TENS improves deep dyspareunia and reduces the number of days pain is experienced. Summary: Holistic management strategies for ERPP should be incorporated into routine counselling when discussing conservative, medical and or surgical treatments for endometriosis. The growing evidence presented for the use of holistic management strategies gives hope to those patients who cannot have, or don’t respond to conventional approaches and as an adjunct alongside standard treatments. These findings should be incorporated into the routine counselling when seeing patients in the gynaecology outpatient setting presenting with chronic pelvic pain.https://f1000research.com/articles/13-359/v2Endometriosis holistic treatment for endometriosis complementary treatment for endometriosis chronic pelvic paineng |
| spellingShingle | Elizabeth Ball Jessica Desai Sophie Strong Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] F1000Research Endometriosis holistic treatment for endometriosis complementary treatment for endometriosis chronic pelvic pain eng |
| title | Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] |
| title_full | Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] |
| title_fullStr | Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] |
| title_full_unstemmed | Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] |
| title_short | Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] |
| title_sort | holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis version 2 peer review 2 approved |
| topic | Endometriosis holistic treatment for endometriosis complementary treatment for endometriosis chronic pelvic pain eng |
| url | https://f1000research.com/articles/13-359/v2 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT elizabethball holisticapproachestolivingwellwithendometriosisversion2peerreview2approved AT jessicadesai holisticapproachestolivingwellwithendometriosisversion2peerreview2approved AT sophiestrong holisticapproachestolivingwellwithendometriosisversion2peerreview2approved |