Endometriosis Support Group

Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.

1,254 Members
9,441 Posts
0 Online
Women's Health
/ Endometriosis Support Group

Exercise

hotchocolate
hotchocolate
My doctor wants me to start exercising on a regular basis. She thinks it will help my endo, and I know that it is healthy for you. I really have never been much of an exerciser, but I wouldn't say I live a sedentary lifestyle. I'm a teacher and am always on my feet, moving around.

When I do exercise, it often triggers endo pain. Sometimes it will make me throw up. I try to do workout dvds or zumba classes. I have had a little more success with the elliptical. I go back to the doctor in January and I don't want to report that I haven't been exercising. ;)

My questions are:
Does exercise trigger pain for you?
What exercise do you do that doesn't seem to be painful for you?
Megan19
Megan19
I try to go on a walk every other day. I used to be runner, but it has become really painful. I try to go between 3 & 5 miles. I miss running, so when I feel up to it I still try, even if I have to alternate with walking. I tried a spin class with a friend and almost died lol, so I removed that from the exercise plan. ;)
PookeyStar91
PookeyStar91
I have had trouble with "intense" workouts. I find the easiest and most comfortable thing for me is the elliptical (luckily I have one at home) and floor stretches like these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzefA-Wsygk

Hope this helps!
PoisonedApple
PoisonedApple
Exercise never helped my endo pain, but it was something I just enjoyed doing. And yes, it can trigger my endo pain, and I've ruptured cysts while working out (major ow!!!)

I workout 3-5 days a week, with the rest being my off days. I alternate between weight lifting days and HIIT. I can't do steady cardio because I can only do 45 minutes before I get endo pain.

I also like pilates. And walking is also a good option.

Good luck with finding something that works for you!
amberlink09
amberlink09
Exercise often triggers endo pain for me too. I really want to try yoga or pilates. I've been doing spin class, but I've learned the hard way not to go if I'm in a lot of pain or feeling particularly exhausted that day. If I'm having a decent day though it works pretty well for me, I think because it is stationary, I get awful pain when I run or do jumping jacks or anything that involves too much movement.
whyme123
whyme123
endo and exercise do not get along. the only thing that does not trigger pain for me is walking and swimming.
missalcal
missalcal
that's interesting that exercise triggers pain for a lot of you. exercise is one of the only things that gives me temporary relief. it's hard for me to get motivated to go to the gym, but once i'm there i can do a zumba class or go on the elliptical and be pain free while i'm up and active. once i get back in the car, the pains come on again.
endowife
endowife
Agree with whyme. Endo and exercise is written up in all the literature as being "the thing to do" but is very hard in practice.

Swimming works very well for me, yoga, walking, and the elliptical. I can also handle light weights and like to do strength training...

but in truth I'm not doing them at the moment because the IVF doc says no exercise for 2+ weeks...

As for getting the will to exercise, I've struggled with that for years and I finally started a reward system which worked pretty well. If I consistently exercised, I rewarded myself (new workout dvd? new clothes? maybe watch a favorite movie while working out?)...see if that helps a little.