Endometriosis and the Coronavirus Pandemic Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Coronavirus: Must-Know InfoEndometriosis News Managing Endometriosis During the Coronavirus Crisis FAQsAn expert answers frequently asked questions from women with endo By Beth LevineMedically Reviewed by Kacy Church, MDApril 2, 2020Everyday Health ArchiveMedically ReviewedHow will the pandemic impact ongoing endo treatment? iStock (2)Endometriosis is a challenging chronic condition even in the best of times. The coronavirus pandemic increases the concerns. Karli Goldstein, MD, gynecologic surgeon with the Seckin Endometriosis Center in New York City, spoke with Everyday Health to answer some of the most common, most urgent questions from women with endometriosis. Question: Am I at higher risk for COVID-19 if I have endometriosis? Karli Goldstein, MD: There is no data at this point because this is a novel virus, meaning it is brand new. Theoretically, it shouldn’t increase your risk because even though endometriosis is an inflammatory disease, it is not autoimmune in nature. However, patients with pulmonary endometriosis (history of lung collapse, lung resection, or cardiothoracic surgery) are likely at higher risk. In any circumstance, I recommend strictly following guidelines: frequent hand-washing for 20 seconds, social distancing, work from home if possible, don’t travel! RELATED: 20 Top Self-Care Tips for Being Stuck at Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic Q: I heard that NSAIDs are not recommended because of COVID-19. I typically take ibuprofen to manage cramps. What should I use now? KG: According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, “the FDA is not aware of scientific evidence connecting the use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, with worsening COVID-19 symptoms. The agency is investigating this issue further and will communicate publicly when more information is available.” If you are concerned, consult with your doctor for other options. Q: My excision surgery was postponed. Will my disease worsen significantly over two to three months? Should I start back on pain meds? KG: You should be fine as endometriosis disease doesn’t progress that fast. If you have a chocolate (endometriotic) ovarian cyst, it’s possible it will grow a little bit. If you are concerned about a possible emergency situation, call your doctor. As for pain, we don’t encourage opioids; they don’t really work and have terrible side effects, such as constipation, increasing pain threshold, and causing bladder dysfunction, which can be troublesome if you have bowel endometriosis and bladder problems. Try ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and use heat packs. RELATED: 10 Ways to Relieve Period CrampsQ: In the past I have had to go to the emergency room (ER) because of endometriosis. Should I avoid the ER during the COVID-19 outbreak? KG: Yes, avoid the emergency room at all costs unless you have signs of something extremely acute. (You are having trouble breathing or the pain is literally unbearable.) You risk exposure to the virus, and hospitals may be short-staffed and overwhelmed at this point. Call your doctor for advice. They have even restricted us from ordering outpatient sonograms and imaging due to the strain on the medical community. RELATED: 7 Ways Meditation Can Help You Cope With Coronavirus Q: I am supposed to see my doctor next month. Should I try to have a virtual visit instead? Is telemedicine productive for women with endo?Featured How to Prepare for a Virtual Doctor VisitKG: Yes, it’s a great idea! We’re doing more and more of that. I already do phone call consults for long distance patients. I find it allows me to have more time with my patients. For telemedicine visits, I use Zoom, which is HIPAA compliant. I can do everything, speaking-wise, that I can do in the office, including using a virtual whiteboard to draw imagery of what’s happening in the pelvis. The sonogram and vaginal exam have to wait until there is an office visit, but when those do occur, we will just need to do the physical exam. RELATED: The Best Telemedicine Apps to Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic I have to add, please be mindful of everyone on the front lines. I am so indebted and grateful to all the first responders, ER doctors, nurses, staff, and police dealing with this every day. Many are living apart from their families, exposed constantly and getting sick, even dying. Social distancing is the least we can do to try and flatten the curve and decrease acute cases and help them out. RELATED: Coronavirus Glossary: Key Terms About the Pandemic Explained Q: I am dealing with a lot of anxiety and stress, which can make my endometriosis symptoms worse. What can you suggest? KG: No doubt about it, these are stressful times. When you are feeling anxious, it’s good to practice self-care to rechannel the anxiety surrounding all of this:Don’t focus on the news reports all day long. Nothing is going to happen so quickly that you need to know about every second’s event.Practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Restorative yoga has the bonus of reducing pelvic pain; there are many free classes online now!Soak in a lavender bath.Take an isolated walk in the fresh air.Exercise in your house.Learn a hobby or skill you never had time for before. There are free cooking classes, painting lessons, concerts, and all sorts of things It’s a wonderful thing.Have a Zoom session or FaceTime meetup with a circle of good friends. RELATED: Tips for Managing Anxiety in the Time of COVID-19 Q: I have endo and I was planning to undergo IVF to get pregnant. Those appointments have been postponed. What can I do to preserve fertility? KG: There is some evidence that a low-inflammatory diet is linked to a positive effect on fertility: Eat lots of vegetables and fruit, foods rich in omega-3s, limit red meat unless grass-fed, along with dairy, complex carbohydrates, and processed food. (If you can’t get fresh fruits and veggies, you can use frozen.) Take a multivitamin, vitamin C, and fish oil capsules. As much as possible reduce stress, because it can be harmful to fertility. RELATED: Online Program Can Relieve Infertility-Related Distress, Improve Pregnancy Prospects Q: Do you know of any online or virtual support groups for women with endometriosis? KG: You are not alone! I think patients helping patients is a great source of unbiased support and information. Check out these online resources:EndoArmy (patient-run) states that its mission is “to create recognition for, give a voice to, and empower the dreams of warriors with endometriosis.”Endofound provides extensive information about the diseaseEndometriosis Comprehension and Support provides facts and treatment options.Endometriosis Online Support Group is a place to find support, come together, meet new people, and raise awareness. Facebook groups:ExtraPelvicNotRare Endo Support and Education GroupEndometriosis Support GroupEndometriosis Memes Community RELATED: Endometriosis Resource Center Have More Questions About Endo and COVID-19 Check out upcoming opportunities to hear from endometriosis experts.The Endometriosis Foundation’s webinar series kicks off Sunday, April 5, 2020.Live Twitter Chat: How will coronavirus pandemic impact your ongoing endometriosis treatment? Join the #EverydayEndoChat on Thursday, April 9, at 1 p.m. EDT, featuring EndoFound 's Dr. Karli Goldstein. 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