How is the pelvic pain of endometriosis treated?
In cases where symptoms are mild or severe, doctors will likely prescribe drugs. Sometimes the physicians may opt for surgery – either by laparoscopy or by opening the abdomen (laparotomy). He or she then removes or destroys the endometriosis implants. If a woman is older and finished having children, the doctor may recommend removing her uterus and ovaries, although even this does not always eliminate the disease. Often the doctor will prescribe medication following surgery to stop the disease from coming back. What medications are available and how do they work? The drugs most commonly used for endometriosis include: • non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs • birth control pills • progesterone • danazol • gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists These drugs aim to stop ovulation for as long as possible so that there is no monthly buildup and breakdown of tissue. Unfortunately, endometriosis often returns after treatment is stopped. Which drug is best? The answer to that question
