Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disease that affects women around the world. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The leading cause of endometriosis is the presence of retrograde menstruation. Endometrial cells from the inside of the uterus flow into the fallopian tubes and work their way into various organs. Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms, while others suffer from intense pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. The symptoms of endometriosis are variable and depend on the stage of the disease. If you have been diagnosed with the condition, you need to see a Midwood endometriosis specialist for proper treatment. For more details on your treatment options, read more below.

Pain Medication

Pain medication is the most basic treatment option for endometriosis. You can use pain medications to treat pain associated with menstruation, ovulation, and sexual intercourse. People living with endometriosis commonly report that their pain severity varies throughout the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, levels of prostaglandins in the body increase, leading to pain and inflammation. Pain meds help reduce the severity of these symptoms and make it easier to carry out daily activities.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a commonly used treatment for endometriosis that involves administering synthetic progesterone or other hormones from the female sex. These hormones help reduce menstrual flow and reduce inflammation of the uterus, thus minimizing pain. The downside to this treatment modality is that it can lead to side effects like headaches, weight gain, and decreased fertility.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This treatment option can be effective in some cases, but problems like changing bleeding patterns and other serious side effects make it wrong for many women.

Laparoscopy

If medication and hormone therapy fail to reduce pain levels, you need to get a laparoscopy. During this surgical procedure, the surgeon inserts a small tube through an incision near your navel. This tube is then used for inserting other instruments that help them visualize the affected organs. If endometrial tissue has infiltrated outside the uterus, it will be visible to the surgeon and cut out. Usually, these surgeons use heat cautery to destroy the tissue.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

An ideal endometriosis treatment option should aim for pain management and fertility enhancement and prevent recurrence of the disease. The COCP, which contains three hormones: estrogen, gestogen, and progesterone, works well because it reduces inflammation of the uterus (which is responsible for menstruation, ovulation, and implantation) alters the uterine lining (endometrium), thus eliminating endometrial cells. This method has proven successful in combating endometriosis and should be considered your first choice of treatment to reduce pain and prevent endometrial cell growth outside the uterus.

In summary, endometriosis is a condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Treatment options include surgical procedures such as laparoscopy and hysterectomy. Your doctor may also recommend a combined oral contraceptive pill, hormone therapy, or pain medications, depending on your symptoms.