2025-03-28
Move to live better?
Gynecology
#Endometriosis #PelvicPain #PhysicalActivity
#MentalHealth #MetaAnalysis
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynecological condition characterized by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity—often on the peritoneum, ovaries, or rectum. It affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Beyond pain, it is also associated with digestive issues, persistent fatigue, impaired sexual life, and a profound impact on overall quality of life.
Conventional treatments—whether medical (painkillers, hormone therapy) or surgical (lesion removal)—often help reduce symptoms, but their effectiveness varies, and they may be poorly tolerated or unsuitable over the long term. In this context, an increasing number of patients turn to non-drug approaches, seeking long-lasting, accessible solutions that are better suited to their needs.
Among these options, physical activity and regular exercise are emerging as promising tools. Several studies suggest they may help reduce pelvic pain, lower inflammation, and improve physical condition, mental health, and emotional well-being in women with endometriosis.
This meta-analysis assesses the effectiveness and safety of physical activity in this population, to evaluate its relevance as a complementary strategy to be integrated into the overall management of the disease.
A total of 251 women diagnosed with endometriosis—either clinically or through surgical confirmation—were included in the study. The intervention protocols involved forms of physical activity adapted to this population. Exercises included yoga, stretching, relaxation techniques, brisk walking, and moderate aerobic training. Patients were followed over periods ranging from 6 to 12 weeks, with a frequency of 2 to 5 sessions per week.
Despite the variety of approaches, the results converge toward significant improvements in several key areas:
No major adverse effects were reported in the various trials, further supporting the favorable safety profile of physical activity in this context. These findings suggest that properly supervised and tailored exercise may be a safe and beneficial complementary strategy for improving the overall management of women with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynecological condition that often causes intense pelvic pain, infertility, fatigue, and significant impairment of quality of life. One of the major challenges in managing this condition lies in the variability of responses to conventional treatments (whether drug-based or surgical), which may be insufficient, poorly tolerated, or unsuitable in the long term. Many women therefore seek complementary, non-invasive, and lifestyle-integrated solutions.
The goal of this meta-analysis was to assess whether physical activity could be effective and safe as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy to relieve endometriosis symptoms and improve overall well-being.
The results suggest that regular physical exercise has a significant positive impact on several outcomes:
Physical activity thus appears to be a low-cost, reproducible, and easily adaptable intervention to suit each patient's profile.
However, the study highlights several important methodological limitations, justifying the need for larger clinical trials with standardized protocols and extended follow-up. Future research should also aim to personalize exercise programs based on dominant symptoms and individual capacities.
Ultimately, this meta-analysis reminds us that chronic pain is not only treated with medication. In the case of endometriosis, movement may become a therapeutic tool in its own right—provided it is supervised, individualized... and officially recognized within care pathways.
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynecological condition characterized by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity—often on the peritoneum, ovaries, or rectum. It affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Beyond pain, it is also associated with digestive issues, persistent fatigue, impaired sexual life, and a profound impact on overall quality of life.
Conventional treatments—whether medical (painkillers, hormone therapy) or surgical (lesion removal)—often help reduce symptoms, but their effectiveness varies, and they may be poorly tolerated or unsuitable over the long term. In this context, an increasing number of patients turn to non-drug approaches, seeking long-lasting, accessible solutions that are better suited to their needs.
Among these options, physical activity and regular exercise are emerging as promising tools. Several studies suggest they may help reduce pelvic pain, lower inflammation, and improve physical condition, mental health, and emotional well-being in women with endometriosis.
This meta-analysis assesses the effectiveness and safety of physical activity in this population, to evaluate its relevance as a complementary strategy to be integrated into the overall management of the disease.
Move to hurt less?
A total of 251 women diagnosed with endometriosis—either clinically or through surgical confirmation—were included in the study. The intervention protocols involved forms of physical activity adapted to this population. Exercises included yoga, stretching, relaxation techniques, brisk walking, and moderate aerobic training. Patients were followed over periods ranging from 6 to 12 weeks, with a frequency of 2 to 5 sessions per week.
Despite the variety of approaches, the results converge toward significant improvements in several key areas:
- A reduction in pelvic pain was observed, particularly during menstruation and sexual intercourse—two highly disabling symptoms.
- Overall quality of life improved, especially emotionally, with better self-control, enhanced body image, and a greater sense of well-being.
- On a psychological level, women who engaged in physical activity reported less anxiety and improved mood, indicating a positive impact on mental health.
- Additionally, positive side effects were noted on pelvic function and bone density, particularly among women on GnRH analogs who are at risk of bone loss.
No major adverse effects were reported in the various trials, further supporting the favorable safety profile of physical activity in this context. These findings suggest that properly supervised and tailored exercise may be a safe and beneficial complementary strategy for improving the overall management of women with endometriosis.
Read next: Study on the use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for pain management in patients suffering from endometriosis
A prescription for movement?
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynecological condition that often causes intense pelvic pain, infertility, fatigue, and significant impairment of quality of life. One of the major challenges in managing this condition lies in the variability of responses to conventional treatments (whether drug-based or surgical), which may be insufficient, poorly tolerated, or unsuitable in the long term. Many women therefore seek complementary, non-invasive, and lifestyle-integrated solutions.
The goal of this meta-analysis was to assess whether physical activity could be effective and safe as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy to relieve endometriosis symptoms and improve overall well-being.
The results suggest that regular physical exercise has a significant positive impact on several outcomes:
- Reduction in pelvic pain,
- Improvement in quality of life,
- Decreased anxiety and improved mood—all without major reported adverse effects.
Physical activity thus appears to be a low-cost, reproducible, and easily adaptable intervention to suit each patient's profile.
However, the study highlights several important methodological limitations, justifying the need for larger clinical trials with standardized protocols and extended follow-up. Future research should also aim to personalize exercise programs based on dominant symptoms and individual capacities.
Ultimately, this meta-analysis reminds us that chronic pain is not only treated with medication. In the case of endometriosis, movement may become a therapeutic tool in its own right—provided it is supervised, individualized... and officially recognized within care pathways.
Read next: Needles for pain relief?
