Women's reproductive health is a major topic that should be openly discussed. As such, it is important to take time and discuss a certain condition called endometriosis and how it impacts women both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are numerous approaches to managing this condition. Endometriosis treatment may involve medicine and hormone therapy. In extreme cases, doctors may opt for surgery. Usually, the healthcare team will first recommend medication, and if it does not seem to help, they go for surgical procedures. Hence, the treatment approach your medical team chooses will depend on your symptoms' severity and whether you wish to become pregnant.
Treatment of Endometriosis
Endometriosis treatment varies based on the extent of symptoms. The most common remedy includes any of the following:
1. Pain Relievers
Your doctor may suggest pain relievers to ease the painful abdominal cramps. Such medicines may include;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve).
The above drugs can help ease painful menstrual cramps and may be given with hormone therapy for women who are not trying to get pregnant.
2. Hormone Medicine
Your healthcare team can opt for hormone therapy as a form of endometriosis treatment to help relieve the pain, mainly done during your menstrual cycles. Usually, the hormone fluctuation during menstruation can cause the thickening of endometrial tissues, hence more pain and bleeding. Lab-made hormones can help slow tissue growth and prevent new tissue formation.
Hormonal therapies like the use of GnRH analogues and birth control methods (contraceptives) can also help control pain. Such methods include:
- Injections
- Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Patches
- Pills
- Vaginal rings
- Implants
Note: These methods are not suitable for those who want to get pregnant.
3. Fertility Treatments
Other fertility medicines and procedures may be necessary for those experiencing difficulties in getting pregnant because of endometriosis. Fertility treatments could be any of the following:
- Remedies that help ovaries produce more eggs.
- In vitro fertilisation- Procedures that involve mixing eggs and sperm outside the body, also known as Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
- Other medications that may help with hormones and ovulation- Sometimes, it may be a combination of both medicines and minor surgeries.
4. Hysterectomy with Removal of the Ovaries
A hysterectomy is a surgical process done to remove the uterus. Today, medics consider the removal of the uterus and ovaries as the last endometriosis treatment option. They do it to ease pain whenever other treatments don't work. This form of treatment is best suited for those who don't want to get pregnant.