Spa after endometriosis surgery: My month in Františkovy Lázně and the path to recovery

Article author: Lucie, Femvie ambassador

When I received a recommendation for a spa after my endometriosis surgery, I didn't know what to expect, and honestly, I didn't really want to go. A month away from home, another few weeks away from my normal life, which I had missed so much during my long recovery after endometriosis surgery. But my condition was stagnant, so I decided to go at the last minute. I went for indication XI/3, which has a treatment length of 28 days.

Endometriosis and a spa stay

There is no direct indication for a comprehensive spa stay (KLP) for endometriosis itself, but one can go for one of the following:

• Indication XI/3 – States after complicated gynecological operations / States after complicated operations in the small pelvis (here it is necessary to go within 3 months after the date of the operation, I recommend planning the departure after the end of the six weeks postpartum period)

• If you have been unsuccessfully trying for a baby for a long time, it is possible to go for indication XI/1 – Primary sterility and infertility (3 or more spontaneous miscarriages) / Secondary sterility based on inflammatory and functional causes.

Destination Františkovy Lázně

Františkovy Lázně became my place of treatment. These spas are renowned for their specialization in gynecological balneotherapy, which exclusively uses the natural resources of Františkovy Lázně. Undergoing a spa cure after surgery in the small pelvis reduces the formation of postoperative adhesions, promotes scar healing, and lowers the risk of infertility.

However, the greatest benefit for me turned out to be relaxation, comprehensive care, the opportunity to slow down, and learn to be in the here and now. At the spa, you don't have to worry about cleaning, cooking, and other routine daily activities; your only task is to be at the individual procedures at the appointed time and relax there. And that's exactly what I needed most after the surgery.

I had 3-4 procedures daily from Monday to Saturday. For the first 2 weeks, I slept through all the afternoons after the procedures, typically sleeping about 13 hours a day in total, which, according to the doctor and nurses at the spa, is a completely normal side effect. My body received a signal that there was room for rest, and so it demanded it even more. Thanks to this, the healing process started for me. For the remaining 2 weeks, however, night sleep was usually enough, so I went for walks to the springs, swam in the pool, or read in the park. But now, let's move on to the procedures themselves. I will introduce a few of them here so you won't be as surprised as I was and will know what to prepare for and look forward to. Let's go.

Gynecological gas bath

Don't expect any bathing in a tub; this bath is dry and also a sitz bath. It takes place in the very heart of the city in a building with the sign Carbonic Gas Baths.

Upon entering the building, the spa attendant led me to a small room with a chair, a mirror, and a hanger, from which a few steps led down to a special bidet. I took off my underwear and sat on the "throne" for 15 minutes. It sounds bizarre, and you might feel like nothing special is happening, but dry spa gas comes out of the bidet, which is said to have miraculous effects on female fertility and helps improve blood circulation, which contributes to healing after surgery.

Also read the article Hormonal Contraception Through the Eyes of a Woman with Endometriosis.

Vaginal Irrigation

I admit that I learned to visit the Imperial Baths building calmly only after shedding all my embarrassment. In the changing room, I again left my underwear and went butt-naked next door to a room with three gynecological chairs separated by curtains. As I sat on the chair, I noticed that a drainpipe led from under the seat, and opposite me was a metal barrel with a long hose. The spa attendant explained what to do without ceremony, and we got to it.

She placed a special "scoop" with holes for water drainage and an attachment for holding the irrigator under my bottom. She took the hose connected to the barrel, attached the irrigator (a device for vaginal douching) to it, and put it between my legs. It couldn't have been any weirder. The spa attendant slowly started to let warm mineral water from the barrel, which is a mixture of two spa springs – Císařský and Adler. The whole procedure lasts 15 minutes and is usually performed every other day. These special vaginal douches aim to support healing by warming the small pelvis, and the carbon dioxide contained in the mineral water helps improve blood circulation in the mucous membrane.

Peat vaginal tampon

An alternative to vaginal irrigation is the peat vaginal tampon, which I didn't get a chance to try, but I don't regret it that much, because from the stories of other girls, it didn't sound very appealing – perhaps you can guess why from the name. Anyway, I can't deprive you of the description of this procedure, as it is used very often if you are on a gynecological stay, and it is considered a holy grail in spa treatment for infertility.

Peat is a miraculous mud that is used for baths and compresses, but for women, also for vaginal use. During this procedure, virgin peat is introduced into the vagina with a special applicator and tamponed. After 15 minutes of action, the vagina is rinsed, and it's done. Usually, the peat tampon is combined with a peat pack on the lower abdomen and lower back. Thanks to this, the entire small pelvis is beautifully warmed, which helps regenerate tissues after surgery, supports fertility, and relaxes muscles. I still wonder how doctors came up with these procedures. But it's great that, despite how strange they are, they really help.

What else awaited me

The other procedures, however, were just pleasant, and I enjoyed them to the fullest. For example, a carbonic bath (so-called "uhlička") is interesting because after getting into the tub, tiny bubbles settled on my body – this is carbon dioxide, which has a positive effect on many ailments. It helps blood circulation throughout the body, stabilizes blood pressure (be careful with low blood pressure), promotes wound healing, helps relax muscles, has an anti-stress effect, and can help reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic diseases, which for me as a person with Bechterew's disease meant care for my other illness as well.

What was also great about the baths was that after I left the tub, the nurse wrapped me in a sheet and I lay down on a lounge chair, where she further tucked me into a blanket so I could finish the whole relaxation beautifully. At the spa, thanks to this kind care, I felt like I was being looked after like a princess.

Other procedures also included movement, and I absolutely fell in love with yoga there. You don't have to worry about the intensity at all; at the spa, it is understood that you are post-surgery. Therefore, very gentle, relaxing yoga was practiced, with an emphasis on working with breath. This was my longest procedure, lasting 50 minutes, and I went once a week. Everyone who comes to the spa receives an individual treatment plan based on their overall health, so don't be afraid to complain about your other ailments too. With my spa doctor, we agreed on several procedures focused on my Bechterew's disease, so I also enjoyed several massages, paraffin wraps for my back, and I also tried the renowned gas injections, which I was initially apprehensive about, but they really helped me.

A few tips at the end

The entire spa stay pleasantly surprised me, so if you have the opportunity to go to a spa, don't hesitate like I did and just go. Especially after surgery, I see it as a necessity that will greatly aid in recovery. If you go to Františkovy Lázně, you will be in a beautiful town full of parks, peace, and quiet, which contribute to healing. I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to go, because I learned to slow down there and regained the strength I so desperately needed after the surgery.

A final tip: If you have any dietary restrictions, like me, request a consultation with a nutritionist at the beginning of your stay. The kitchen will then always prepare your meals separately to avoid allergen contamination.

Looking for a space where you can openly discuss women's health? Join our new Facebook community – a place for sharing experiences, understanding your own body, and mutual support. Whether you're dealing with endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, or going through menopause, you're not alone.

What else to read on Femspace?

• Endometriosis: A New Perspective on Pain, Diagnosis, and a Holistic Approach to Care

• Discomfort That Companies Overlook: Why It's Time to Address Menstrual Pain in the Workplace

• 5 Common Myths About Adenomyosis

• How Endometriosis Can Change Throughout Life?

• My Girlfriend Got Her Period. What (Not) to Do?

• Do We Need More Sleep Before Our Period?

• Spotting and Bleeding Outside of Menstruation
  

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Femvie products that can help you

We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:

• 🌿 Endometriosis Support Complex — specially formulated supplement for women with endometriosis
• 📖 Guide: Anti-inflammatory diet for endometriosis — 6 + 1 ways to naturally reduce pain with nutrition
• 💊 Magnesium — supports muscle relaxation and cramp relief
• 🩹 Menstrual Patches — natural relief from painful menstruation
• 🎯 Endometriosis Support Pack — complete set for daily support

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have endometriosis?

Endometriosis manifests as severe painful menstruation, pain during intercourse, fatigue, and digestive problems. The only way to definitively confirm it is laparoscopy. If your symptoms limit your daily life, consult a gynecologist.

How long does it take to get a diagnosis?

The average time from the first symptoms to a diagnosis of endometriosis in the Czech Republic is 7–10 years. Many women are dismissed for a long time with the idea that painful menstruation is normal.

Can endometriosis be treated naturally?

Endometriosis cannot be completely cured, but symptoms can be naturally alleviated with an anti-inflammatory diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, and stress reduction. Natural support does not replace medical care but can significantly improve quality of life.

Are organic menstrual products better for women with endometriosis?

Yes. Conventional tampons and pads can contain pesticides and chemicals that irritate sensitive tissue. Femvie's organic cotton products are certified and free of harmful substances.