How can endometriosis be treated?
Endometriosis is a progressive disease. While there is no known cure for endometriosis, medications and surgery can help delay the progression of the disease. In general, endometriosis is managed most effectively with a combination of properly performed surgery and the use of appropriate medical therapies. Medications that are helpful in alleviating symptoms and controlling pain include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists including Lupron, Aromatase inhibitors such as Letrozole and birth control pills. Surgical Management includes laparoscopic surgery to remove the lesions–laser laparoscopy can remove endometrial tissue and blockages from the body by excision, fulguration, cauterization, and ablation. Hysterectomy is also an option but will not eradicate the disease. Patients with infertility may benefit from in vitro fertilization. After surgery, approximately 50% of patients experience major pain relief, a further 30% have adequate improvement and the final 20% are not im
Pain from endometriosis can be treated with a variety of medications. For mild or moderate pain, nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, may be helpful. If these don’t provide relief or if pain is severe, a prescription pain medication may be needed. Some women have found additional relief using acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, and exercise. Treatment of the disease itself may include hormone therapy, surgery, or both. Hormone therapy includes the use of oral contraceptives (estrogen, progestins, or both), danazol, or a newer class of agents called GnRH agonists. Hormone therapy works by stopping ovulation temporarily. This can help the endometrial lesions to shrink and stops the development of new implants. But hormone therapy does not cure endometriosis–the disease recurs in most women when hormone therapy stops. Surgical treatment removes endometrial implants and scar tissue by cutting away, cauterizing (burning), or vaporizing with a lase
