Endometriosis Treatment

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to normally lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures. Finding an appropriate endometriosis treatment can be challenge for some women.

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of American women within child-bearing age have endometriosis. There are many symptoms of endometriosis, including: excessive menstrual cramps, occasional heavy periods, sharp pain deep in the pelvis during sexual intercourse, infertility, and pain during bowel movements.

Endometriosis treatment options range form support groups and physical therapy to surgery. Hormonal endometriosis treatments can prove successful, but the chances are high that once hormonal treatment has stopped, the endometriosis pain will recur.

Another type of endometriosis treatment option is laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a relatively non-invasive surgery that may be able to remove endometrial lesions. Pain may be relieved by this type of treatment and if fertility is an issue, it may be corrected.

If other options have been unsuccessful, or if fertility is not an issue, a traditional hysterectomy can be chosen. An abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oorphoectomy will remove the uterus and ovaries, as well as any visual endometriosis lesions. This type of hysterectomy is often a last-resort endometriosis treatment option due to the invasiveness of the surgery.

It is important to note that none of these endometriosis treatment options will "guarantee" endometriosis pain to stop. One should consider all treatment options carefully before making a decision.

© 2007 - 2009 Armity A. Simon, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

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