Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus actually grows outside of the uterus instead (typically on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic organs). And — as people who deal with it very well know — it can cause severe pain, inflammation, and even the formation of scar tissue.
So, we asked members of the Buzzfeed Community who have endometriosis to share the little ways they take care of themselves. Here's what they had to say.
FYI, these aren’t meant to be a substitute for medical advice; they’re tactics that have worked for others and might work for you, too. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying anything new for your endo symptoms.
1. Heating pads, heating pads, heating pads.
2. Or DIY a microwaveable heating pad with a sock and some rice.
3. And then, even more heating pads you can take on the go, like ThermaCare Menstrual Cramp Relief Heat Wraps.
4. Slather on some CBD balm.
5. Or ingest a CBD tincture.
6. Or (and I swear this is the last CBD suggestion, but *so* many people submitted them!) soak with a CBD bath bomb.
7. Epsom salt baths work wonders, too.
8. Don't feel guilty for taking breaks and resting when you need.
9. If you're not already in therapy, consider starting so you have someone to lean on when times get tough and overwhelming.
10. Masturbate.
11. Take some time to research and educate yourself on endo.
12. Drink peppermint tea.
13. Join a funny meme group on Facebook or follow some joke accounts on Instagram so you can laugh/cry with people going through the same thing.
14. Stock up on comfortable clothing that you love.
15. Practice deep breathing to ground yourself when you're dealing with a lot of pain.
16. Add endo-friendly exercise to your routine if you can.
17. Cut down on inflammatory foods to see if it helps.
18. Consider trying weed if it's, you know, legal where you are.
19. Wear a neoprene belly wrap when you're painfully bloated and need to get stuff done.
20. Focus on a task like coloring to distract from your symptoms.
21. If you have the means and time to care for one, consider getting an animal companion.
22. Nourish yourself with smoothies when you feel too bloated to eat.
23. Surround yourself with people who don't doubt or belittle your experience.
24. And tbh, you can't go wrong with a lot of chocolate.
