Traveling With Endometriosis: The Packing Essentials That Help Ease My Pain On the Go

22.03.2024 - 13:39 / cntraveler.com

For the past 10 years or so, I’ve been struggling with what I thought were just “normal” periods. I experienced everything from irregular timing between periods to debilitating cramps that would force me to sit or lie down, even if I was at work or traveling.

During this time, I’ve managed to travel near and far, driving to theme parks, visiting Europe and the Caribbean on cruise ships, and flying to new countries, all with the sneaking suspicion of endometriosis from my doctor and myself.

According to Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, owner of Femina Physical Therapy in Los Angeles and president of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, endometriosis is, “tissue that is similar to, but not the same as, the lining of the uterus. It responds in the same way to cyclic bleeding, except because this tissue is not in the uterus, it has nowhere to go, and instead creates inflammation and scar tissue in the area of the endometriosis."

Traveling with endometriosis can present several challenges, from sharp pains running down the leg and back to persistent cramps, headaches, and bloating. The way we travel can cause flare-ups, Jeffcoat says.

“Traveling is stressful, and stress affects our nervous system,” she says. “It doesn't have to be ‘bad stress’ that negatively affects us. Endometriosis is also often associated with bowel dysfunction due to lesions that originate from this area. Changes in diet when traveling and dehydration that occurs from flying or being in different environments and altitudes can also wreak havoc on your digestive tract.”

After countless appointments and years of signs and symptoms (including a family history of endometriosis), I discovered that I too am one of 190 million women who have the chronic disease. Later this month, I’ll undergo a laparoscopic surgery for my doctor to determine the level of endometriosis that I have, and to take out any tissue that’s attached itself to places it shouldn’t be.

While I’m not looking forward to the pre-op or post-op recovery, I am looking forward to being able to travel without pain, even if it’s just for a short time, because inevitably, the endometriosis will come back. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that packing the right essentials is crucial for making myself more comfortable when my symptoms flare up. Below, five items I use regularly, and recommend to other travelers with endometriosis.

The number one item that I always travel with no matter what is the TheraIce Headache Relief Cap. One of my worst endometriosis symptoms is headaches, which are made worse by bright lights. The cooling gel hat slips over my head and face to block out any light from hotel rooms or plane rides. The added benefit, that it stays cold for about two hours,