Endometriosis Treatment

Diagnosing endometriosis can be troublesome. While chronic pelvic pain is an excellent indicator of the condition, only a laparoscopy can determine whether or not you actually have endometriosis. A laparoscope is a tiny, lighted tube that is inserted into you through a small abdominal incision. A surgeon is able to see inside of you through this tube and can insert any tools or instruments she may need to use through the tube. Using a laparoscope allows a doctor to actually see where the misplaced endometrium is. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, a treatment can be suggested.

Although there are a variety of treatments for endometriosis, there is currently no cure. Some treatments are more effective than others and a few have serious side effects. Which method of treatment you choose is up to you but be sure to discuss all your options with your doctor.

Surgery: Surgery is one of the most effective methods of treating endometriosis so long as all the endo has been removed from the offending areas. If it is not removed, future surgeries will be necessary. Because laparoscopy is the least invasive procedure, this is usually the method of choice for surgeons. It also allows the surgeon to see whether or not all the endometriosis has been removed plus the procedure can be done on an out-patient basis. Other out-patient surgical methods include laser ablation and vaporization.

A laparotomy is a more invasive surgical procedure that requires a hospital stay and has a longer recovery period. In extreme cases, a hysterectomy that includes the removal of all growths and the ovaries may be necessary.

Medications: Some doctors may recommend using a strong, over-the-counter drug or prescribe a pain medication to help ease the discomfort endometriosis can cause. Drugs that have been designed to specifically treat endo usually help by postponing ovulation, thereby regulating the production of estrogen in the body. However, some can only be taken for a short time in order to avoid other health problems.

GnRH agonists are one of the drugs that were designed to treat endometriosis. It works by forcing the body to go into menopause. By reducing the amount of estrogen in the body, the endometriosis lesions shrink and the pain is reduced or stopped. Although it can be helpful for some women, others have found the drug to have little affect on them.

Those who do take the drug can only do so for up to six months and the endometriosis almost always comes back once the medication is stopped. Additionally, the side effects can be quite bothersome and include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, depression, insomnia and memory loss.

Testosterone derivatives are another medication that was developed just for endometriosis. Like GnRH agonists, testosterone derivatives aim to lower the amount of estrogen in the body. Side effects of this medication include acne, reduced breast size, weight gain, and abnormal facial and body hair growth. Although it is rare, a woman's voice may also deepen. Most of the side effects are temporary but some may be permanent. This drug cannot be used for more than six months.