How Is Endometriosis Treated?
Endometriosis is treated with medications and surgical procedures. The treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and also if the female wishes to become pregnant in the future. The healthcare provider will conduct the diagnostic evaluation of the condition and based on that they will suggest the appropriate treatment.
To treat the condition, the healthcare provider will prescribe medications. They will track the progress and see if the medications are working or not. If the medications fail to yield the result, they will suggest a surgical procedure to treat the condition.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, the various treatment techniques generally suggested by healthcare providers are as follows:
Anti-inflammatory medications are the first line of treatment for endometriosis. Your healthcare provider will suggest either over-the-counter drugs or prescription-only drugs for alleviating the pain. They may suggest some other therapy along with the medications. The kind of therapy suggested will depend on whether the female is thinking about conception.
Hormone therapy.
The fluctuations of the hormones can give rise to pain and inflammation in those affected with endometriosis. Hormonal therapy can alleviate this endometriosis pain and inflammation. The therapy can also prevent the progression of endometriosis by slowing down the growth of the affected tissues. It helps in preventing the implantation of new endometrial tissues.
Hormonal therapies for endometriosis include different types of treatments, which are given below:
- Hormonal contraceptives – The growth of endometrial tissues can be prevented with the help of contraceptive pills, patches, and vaginal rings. These remedies can also be helpful in alleviating the pain experienced because of endometriosis.
- Progestin therapy – These are the therapies that can stop menstruation and ultimately prevent the growth of the endometrial tissues. This therapy helps in alleviating the symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists –The agonist and antagonist medications are used for the prevention of the menstruation cycle by lowering the levels of hormones that trigger the release of eggs (ovum).
These medications do not put a permanent halt on the menstrual periods, instead,their effects last until the person keeps using them. When they stop using these drugs, the menstruation continues. These drugs prevent the growth of endometrium tissues.
Aromatase inhibitors – The healthcare provider suggests these drugs be taken in combination with hormonal contraceptives. These drugs come under the category of drugs that reduce the levels of estrogen in the body. These can be helpful in treating endometriosis.
Fertility treatment.
This treatment is suggested to those who are planning to conceive and become pregnant. Since conditions like endometriosis can make conception difficult, Fertility treatment can make conception possible. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce more eggs (ovum) for in-vitro fertilization.
Conservative surgery.
It is a kind of surgical procedure, which involves the removal of the endometriosis implants without affecting the uterus and ovaries.The person will be able to overcome the condition with this treatment. But endometriosis can return. This procedure is performed with the help of laparoscopy.
The surgeon will perform it by making a small incision near the navel area. They will insert an instrument or laparoscope inside in order to remove the endometrial tissue. The doctor will prescribe medications to numb the pain after the surgery is done.
Hysterectomy surgery involves the removal of ovaries and uterus, which can prevent menstruation and childbirth. This surgery can stop the growth of the endometrial tissue. To gain a better understanding of this surgery and its pros and cons, you have to talk to your healthcare provider.
Home remedies to manage the condition
To alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis, you can try some home remedies, which will relieve the discomfort and pain to some extent. These remedies are given below:
- Heating pad – Making use of heating pads will provide great relief against the pain. The pad can be placed around the pelvic region, which will alleviate the cramps and pain by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.
- NSAID drugs – You can make use of non-prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain experienced because of menstrual cramps.
Talk to your doctor
To get the treatment for endometriosis, you have to see a gynecologist. You have to tell them about the symptoms and signs you have been experiencing and for how long it has been so. If have been planning to become pregnant, then they will prescribe specific treatment, which will prevent the growth of endometrial tissues without affecting the reproductive organs and their functions.
In the case of individuals who do not want to get pregnant, the doctor will suggest a surgical procedure, which can be helpful in removing the endometrial tissues and getting rid of endometriosis but will also affect the reproductive organs. The treatment will be based on the preference of the individual.