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 treatment for endometriosis over
another [1].
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 [2].
For many women, this can be a combination
of more than one treatment over longer periods of time.
For infertility please see: Endometriosis
and infertility
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Pain
is the most common symptom for many women
with endometriosis.
Pain
killers include:
- simple analgesics (ie.
aspirin and paracetamol)
- compound analgesics
(a combination of either aspirin or
paracetamol)
- mild narcotics (ie.
codeine)
- narcotic analgesics
(similar to morphine)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (ie. nurofen, ponstan, voltaren,
etc).
More
about how to use painkillers
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| Hormonal
therapies |
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| Surgery |
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Laparoscopic
surgery is the only definitive way to
diagnose endometriosis [1]. 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 [2]. The aim is to remove
all endometriotic 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.
Laparoscopic
surgery
Chosing
a specialist
Although
women with endometriosis are often told
that hysterectomy is the “definitive”
solution for endometriosis, the disease
can recur even after a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy
may be a very good solution for some women
with endometriosis, but do know your facts
before deciding on this option.
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 (TCM).
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.
ESHRE
Guideline on coping therapies
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| A
multi-disciplinary approach - coping long term |
| To
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
- national support organisations
All of these
disciplines can play an important role in providing
an individualised treatment plan for a woman or
girl with endometriosis.
See also: Multi-disciplinary
centres/networks of excellence for endometriosis
management
Finally, please
remember that endometriosis affects more than
just the physical body. It may affect 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.
See also: Families
and partners of those with endometriosis
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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| Refererences |
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1.
ESHRE guideline for the diagnosis and management
of endometriosis
Kennedy et al Human Reprod 2005;20(10):2698-2704.
2.
Multi-disciplinary centres/networks of excellence
for endometriosis management and research: a proposal
D'Hooghe T and Hummelshoj L. Hum Reprod 2006;21(11):2743-8.
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| See
also |
|
 Finding
a centre of excellence/endometriosis specialist
Endometriosis
surgery
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
Infertility resources
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