1. Suppress Pain With Medications
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can grow in various places, including near the ovaries or the bladder. One of the most common complaints of women with endometriosis is pain, which can occur during a woman's menstrual period or at any other time during her menstrual cycle. Medications can reduce the pain associated with endometriosis. Over the counter medications, such as analgesics (aspirin), or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, can all serve as an effective treatment for discomfort. Prescription drugs, such as mild narcotics (codeine), can also lessen pain.
2. Take Advantage of Hormonal Treatments
Women who do not wish to achieve a pregnancy have various hormonal options as treatments for endometriosis. These hormonal treatments can lower estrogen production, which can reduce the symptoms associated with endometriosis. Some can even help reduce the growth of endometrial lesions. Birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and progestins can help to treat cases of endometriosis. A class of drugs known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) can also reduce estrogen production and alleviate endometriosis symptoms and growths.
3. Remove Endometrial Lesions With Surgery
In certain cases of endometriosis, a doctor may recommend the surgical removal of lesions, adhesions and growths. In these instances, the doctor usually performs laparoscopic surgery. By using a laparoscope inserted through a small incision in the woman's lower abdomen, he can remove any evidence of endometriosis. In severe cases, a doctor will perform a laparatomy, which requires a larger incision in the woman's abdomen. Doctors only perform this surgery in cases of severe endometriosis, and the recovery time is longer than that of a laparoscopic surgery. Women should note, however, that endometriosis can recur after both types of surgery.
4. Consider Hysterectomy as a Last Resort
If a woman doesn't plan to have any more children and has a severe case of endometriosis, a doctor may suggest a hysterectomy. There are several different types of hysterectomies, and the type used as a treatment of endometriosis will depend on the individual patient. During a hysterectomy, a doctor removes some or all of a woman's reproductive organs, thereby removing endometrial lesions as well. Realize that endometriosis can still occur following certain hysterectomies, and that patients should consider all other treatment options before undergoing a hysterectomy.
