Endometriosis is a female reproductive condition. When a woman has endometriosis, the endometrial tissue which generally lines the uterus grows outside of its normal capacity and into other areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining and abdominal areas such as the bladder and intestines. This condition can cause extreme pain, menstrual problems and infertility issues which may lead many women to seek some type of endometriosis relief. Medications are generally used as a first option for endometriosis pain relief. When adequate relief is not obtained through medications, surgery may be performed to obtain a cure for endometriosis as well as hormone therapy.
The manner in which a woman is provided with endometriosis relief will generally depend on several factors. In most cases, the treatment for endometriosis will greatly depend on the severity of the woman's symptoms. If the symptoms are so severe that a woman's daily quality of life is lessened, treatment may be more intense. Treatment may also greatly depend on the woman's age and her desire to have a child or more children. For example, a younger woman with no children may be treated differently than an older woman with grown children or a woman who has no desire to have any or more children.
For most women with symptoms, endometriosis relief will first be attempted with medications. Many women take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with the pain often caused by endometriosis. In most cases, NSAIDs can be purchased directly from a pharmacy or retail store. Some women may need a prescription NSAID which is generally stronger and may provide more relief than an over-the-counter kind. Other types of medications may include progesterone pills and medicines to decrease estrogen production.
Endometriosis relief may also be obtained through surgery when conservative efforts fail to provide sufficient relief. Women who have finished having children or who have no desire to have children may elect to have a hysterectomy to cure endometriosis. During the hysterectomy, the uterus will be removed and in some cases the ovaries as well. Women who wish to maintain their fertility may elect to have a surgery that will only remove excessive endometrial tissue, growths and adhesions. When having surgery, doctors may need to perform an open abdominal operation, however, many women will be able to have laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, which generally results in quicker healing.
Hormone therapy may also be used for endometriosis relief. In many cases, this type of treatment helps reduce pain. Hormone therapy may provide beneficial relief by regulating fluctuating hormones during monthly menstrual cycles, when endometriosis pain is often at its worst. Doctors will generally run a number of tests to decide if this, like any treatment, is best for the individual patient.