Moist heat treatments

Many self-care strategies can be done in the comfort of your own home to ease endometriosis-related pelvic pain. One such strategy is the use of heat to manage period (menstrual) pain. Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, is self-reported by people as an effective strategy for reducing pelvic pain. 

Whilst the exact mechanism by which heat reduces pelvic pain in not well known, heat is thought to reduce the amount of pain felt by the body, promote blood flow and ease contractions. Heat therapy comes in many forms and involves both ‘dry heat’ and ‘moist heat’ modalities. Moist heat therapies include moist heating packs, warm baths and warm towels. 

Step 1: Choose a heat treatment method

There are a vast range of moist heat options available and it's about considering what suits you and your situation. Moist heat packs can be purchased online, from pharmacies or other retailers. If you have a bath at home this is one of the easiest ways to incorporate moist heat into your treatment plan (and it can help promote relaxation). Incorporating a bath in your nightly routine may also help you sleep. You can add some epsom salts or light some candles to promote further relaxation. Experiment with different options to find what works for you.

Step 2: Apply heat

Once you have chosen your heat treatment method then it’s time to apply the heat! If you are using a moist heat pack then you may like to apply the heat to targeted areas like your lower back or abdomen. If you are in the bath then fill the bath with warm (not too hot) water and relax. When you apply heat it is important to only apply it for the recommended time to avoid adverse effects such as burns or skin sensitivity. The time recommended for application of your heat treatment varies for each method and is often noted in the user manual for your product. Ensure you are being safe when using these heat methods and follow the instructions especially if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin. If you notice redness on your skin please discontinue use and consult your healthcare team. 

Step 3: Trial and error

A self-care strategy which works for one person may not work for another. Similarly, a heat treatment which works for one person may not work for another. So do not be discouraged if one method does not work for you. It is all about trial and error and finding which heat treatment method or self-care strategy best suits you and your lifestyle.