Pain can be one of the most challenging symptoms of endometrial cancer. This can include pain during urination, discomfort after surgery, nerve pain, or pain during sexual activity. Managing pain is an important part of treatment and is essential for maintaining your quality of life.

Pain from endometrial cancer can vary from person to person and can have different causes. Tumors in or around the uterus can cause discomfort in the pelvic area. Surgical procedures, like hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), can lead to discomfort after surgery. Some people also develop chronic pain after surgery. Sometimes, scar tissue or fluid leaking from the surgery site can also cause pain around the uterus or abdomen. Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, may also cause bladder damage or nerve-related pain, known as peripheral neuropathy.

If you’re experiencing pain from endometrial cancer, there are a few strategies you can try to improve your quality of life. Remember, what works for one person may not work for you, so always talk to your health care provider before trying new pain relief options. Make sure to talk to your oncology team about any new or worsening pain, or pain that’s hard to deal with.

1. Manage Pain After Surgery

After surgery, you can expect to experience pain for several weeks. Your health care provider may give you pain medications to help with any discomfort or soreness following any procedure. Pain can look and feel different for everyone, so make sure to let your doctor know how you’re feeling so they can adjust your pain management plan as needed. When your pain is better managed, your body can heal faster.

2. Consider Pain Medications

Your health care provider may suggest different types of pain medicine. For mild pain, your doctor may prescribe oral over-the-counter medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, like opioids.

For nerve pain, your doctor might suggest medications like gabapentin or certain antidepressants. There are also other types of pain relief, like injections, that may help. If you’re having pain after an endometrial cancer biopsy, your doctor may use a lidocaine cream on your cervix.

You can talk to your doctor about pain medications available and any side effects they might cause. Never start or stop taking any medications without consulting your health care provider first. Some medications can have serious side effects, especially if you take them for a long time.

3. Try Complementary Therapies

There are some complementary pain treatment options available. You may be able to try these alongside your standard cancer treatment. Techniques like acupuncture and massage, or certain vitamin supplements may help ease your pain.

Remember, complementary therapy options are still controversial when it comes to pain control. Always talk to your health care provider before adding anything to your current treatment plan.

4. Stay Active

Gentle exercise can help you manage pain and make you feel better overall. Exercising can release natural painkillers such as endorphins, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which can help with pain and mood.

Ask your health care provider about exercises that are safe for you. They might suggest walking or gentle mind-body exercises and relaxation techniques. These may include breathing exercises, tai chi, or yoga for pain relief. Physical therapy may also help.

5. Practice Heat and Cold Therapy

Switching between warm compresses and ice packs can also help ease your pain. Heat can increase blood flow and reduce muscle spasms, allowing you to feel more comfortable. Cold therapy can reduce inflammation and nerve pain.

Talk to your doctor about which method is best for you. If you’re getting radiation therapy or have certain tumor sites, you may need to avoid heat. The timing, duration, and how often you use warm and cold compresses are also important to discuss with your health care provider.

6. Watch What You Eat

While there isn’t a special diet to prevent endometrial cancer, eating certain foods may help your body heal and manage side effects like pain.

A balanced diet with whole grains, healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins is good for anyone, even if you don’t have a chronic illness. Try to avoid foods that are heavily processed or have high amounts of hydrogenated oils, since they can cause more inflammation. If you have questions about what foods you should or should not eat, your health care provider is the best person to ask. They may also connect you with a registered dietitian who can create a special eating plan for you.

7. Address Intimate Pain

Endometrial cancer can cause pain during sexual activity, which may lead to changes in sexual health and desires. Using products like personal lubricants, dilators, or moisturizers may help. Talking openly with your partner about what feels comfortable and being willing to try new things, like different positions, can also provide pain relief. If you experience pain during sex as a result of endometrial cancer or its treatment, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with more information and resources.

8. Explore Palliative Care Options

Palliative care is a type of care that can help at any stage of cancer. Palliative care specialists work with your cancer treatment team to improve your quality of life. They’ll help you manage your endometrial cancer symptoms and any side effects from your current treatment plan.

These specialists look at your treatment plan more holistically. This means they also try to address any emotional, physical, social, mental, or spiritual issues that may come up during your treatment journey. This may relieve associated stress or pain.

9. Find Support

No matter where you are in your treatment journey, it can be very helpful to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Joining a support group for people with endometrial cancer or their caregivers can help you learn more about treatment options or share tips for living with endometrial cancer.

Remember, you don’t have to endure endometrial cancer pain alone. With your health care team and the right support, you can develop a pain management plan that works for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEndometrialCancerTeam, the site for people with endometrial cancer and their loved ones, members come together to gain a new understanding of endometrial cancer and share their stories with others who understand life with the condition.

Are you living with endometrial cancer? Do you have any tips for managing pain? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or post to your Activities page.