A condition like endometriosis is a chronic condition that is incurable. It can be managed with the help of treatments. The treatment is usually given with medications and in some cases through surgical procedures. Medications alleviate the pain felt due to the condition.The type of treatment will be based on the severity of the condition.
If it can be managed with the help of medications, the treatment will in volvea combination of different medications. But if the condition is severe, then your healthcare provider will suggest you get a surgical procedure to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis. Also, the combination of treatment along with home remedies will be beneficial for alleviating the symptoms in a more efficient manner.
Before beginning the treatment, the first thing your healthcare provider will do is conduct a diagnostic evaluation of your condition. When it is confirmed that you have endometriosis, and the severity is also known, they will begin the treatment.
Treatment for endometriosis
Your healthcare provider will order the diagnostic reports and based on the evaluation; they will suggest an appropriate treatment. The treatment usually involves medications and surgery in some cases.According to the Mayo Clinic website, the types of treatment suggested by healthcare providers are given below:
Prescription/non-prescription medications
For managing the symptoms of endometriosis, the doctor might prescribe some non-prescription (OTC) or prescription medications. The medications used for this condition are mostly anti-inflammatory, which alleviates the pain and provides greater relief. The medications prescribed will be different among females who want to become pregnant and those who do not want to get pregnant ever. If it is required, your doctor might prescribe the medications in combination with some therapy.
Hormone therapy.
Hormonal therapy is given to manage the fluctuations of the hormones, as changes in the hormones can make the symptoms of endometriosis more severe. This therapy alleviates the pain and inflammation in the pelvis. It is also very effective in slowing down the endometrial growth and prevents the progression of the condition. It can suppress the implantation of new endometrial tissues and control any further tissue damage.
There are various types of hormonal therapies given for endometriosis these are as follows:
- Hormonal contraceptives – Contraceptive solutions such as oral pills, patches, and vaginal rings can provide relief from the pain and inflammation. Contraceptives prevent the growth of endometrial tissues.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists – Endometriosis can be managed by preventing the release of egg (ovum) from the ovaries.To prevent the egg, the doctor will prescribe agonist and antagonist medications. These medications work by reducing the levels of hormones that cause the release of eggs from the ovaries. By halting menstruation, the progression of endometriosis can be prevented.
- Progestin therapy – With this therapy, the menstruation can be put on halt which will prevent the growth of the affected tissues that lead to endometriosis. The symptoms such as pain and inflammation will be reduced.
- Aromatase inhibitors –These are taken in combination with hormonal contraceptives, which effectively reduce the levels of hormones that cause menstruation. When menstruation is prevented, the growth of endometrial implants is also prevented and the symptoms can also become less severe.
Conservative surgery.
This is a kind of surgical procedure, which is performed with a device known as a laparoscope. The laparoscopy treatment is aimed at removing the endometrial implants without causing any harm to the uterus and ovaries. Endometriosis can be successfully treated with this kind of procedure; however, the chances of its reoccurrence will remain.
The surgery is performed by making a small incision below the navel area. The surgeon will insert the laparoscope inside for the removal of the tissues that are affected by endometriosis. To numb the pain post-surgery, the doctor will prescribe some medications.
Fertility treatment.
Patients who are planning to become pregnant will be prescribed different kinds of treatment by their doctors. This treatment keeps their ability to give birth intact. The endometriosis treatment can give rise to fertility issues, so, to eliminate those issues, this kind of treatment is given. It involves stimulating the ovaries to create and release more eggs (ovum) for in-vitro fertilization.
In this type of surgery, the surgeon will remove ovaries and the uterus, which put a permanent halt to menstruation and childbirth. It can be very effective surgery against endometriosis, as it can stop the growth of the affected tissues. This surgery is best suited for women with menopause.
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 – Heat therapy will provide great relief against the endometriosis pain. It must be placed on the pelvis, which reduces the pain and alleviates muscle cramping.
- OTC anti-inflammatory drugs – OTC or non-prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be help full in lowering pain and muscle cramps.
- Yoga – Yoga involves a combination of postures and breathing exercises, which can be effective in managing endometriosis pain.