Since the cause
of endometriosis remains unknown, a treatment which
fully cures endometriosis has yet to be developed, and
there is no overwhelming medical evidence to support
one specific type of endometriosis treatment over another.
Chosing a treatment therefore comes down to the individual
woman's needs, depending on her symptoms, her age, and
her fertility wishes. She should discuss these with
her physician so that they, together, can determine,
which long term, holistic, treatment plan is best for
her individual needs. For many women, this can be a
combination of more than one treatment over longer periods
of time.
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Pain
is the most common symptom for many women
with endometriosis.
Pain killers vary from
simple analgesics (such as aspirin and
paracetamol), through compound analgesics
(which are a combination of either aspirin
or paracetamol and a mild narcotic such
as codeine) and narcotic analgesics (similar
to morphine), through to non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (such as nurofen,
ponstan, voltaren, etc).
More
about painkillers
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| Hormonal
treatments |
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| Surgery |
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Most
doctors agree that laparoscopic surgery
is the only definitive way to diagnose
endometriosis. In many cases, the disease
can be diagnosed and treated in the same
procedure.
The success of surgery
depends greatly on the skill of the surgeon
and the thoroughness of the surgery. The
aim is to remove all endometriosis lesions,
cysts, and adhesions.
Today, most endometriosis
surgery is being done through the laparoscope,
although a full abdominal incision called
a laparotomy may still be required in
rare cases for extensive disease or bowel
resections.
More
about laparoscopic surgery
Although women with
endometriosis are often told that hysterectomy
is the “definitive” solution
for endometriosis, the disease can recur
even after a hysterectomy.
More
about hysterectomy
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| Nutritional
therapy
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The
correct balance of daily nutrients are essential
for all of us. Proper nutrition helps improve
our general health.
For a woman with endometriosis
it may also increase her ability to tolerate
medical treatments, increase her ability
to deal with potential side effects of treatment,
increase her energy, and enhance her ability
to think clearly. Nutritionists can work
with women and girls with endometriosis
to put together an appropriate dietary plan.
More
about dietary modification to alleviate
endometriosis symptoms
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Given the chronic and stubborn nature
of endometriosis, there may be times when
it is beneficial to explore therapies
beyond the medical mainstream.
Whilst there is no clinical evidence as
to the effectiveness of these therapies,
many women with endometriosis have had
good symptom relief by using homeopathy,
osteopathy, herbs, and Traditional Chinese
Medicine.
Physiotherapists (physical
therapists) can develop a programme of
exercise and relaxation techniques designed
to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles,
reduce pain, and manage stress and anxiety.
After surgery, rehabilitation in the form
of gentle exercises, yoga, or Pilates
can help the body get back into shape
by strengthening compromised abdominal
and back muscles.
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| A
multi-disciplinary approach |
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provide holistic treatment to women and girls
with endometriosis, a team of medical professionals
may be involved in providing care, including:
- general practitioners
- gynaecologists
- surgeons (from a number of disciplines)
- reproductive endocrinologists
- immunologists
- nutritionists/dieticians
- nurses
- psychologists
- counsellors
- pain specialists
- physiotherapists
All of these disciplines can
play an important role in providing an individualised
treatment plan for a woman or girl with endometriosis.
Finally, please remember that
endometriosis affects more than just the physical
body. It often affects women and girls in profound
emotional ways as well. Psychologists and counsellors
can play an important role by helping women and
girls cope with the feelings of confusion, disbelief,
chronic pain, infertility, and frustration that
often accompany this disease.
Support
groups also play a vital role in learning
to cope with endometriosis and may be able to
provide information about national or regional
centres, who specialise in the treatment of endometriosis.
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| See
also |
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A
practical guide to finding a centre of excellence/endometriosis
specialist
Preparing
for your first endometriosis consultation
[English|Español]
Tips
on talking with your doctor
Coping
with endometriosis
ESHRE
guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis |
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