Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
What Is the Goal of Endometriosis Treatment?
There are several different approaches to treating endometriosis.
Endometriosis can be associated with pelvic pain, pain with intercourse or bowel movements, and abnormal bleeding.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Sometimes the symptoms can be severe and significantly diminish a person’s quality of life.
There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are ways to manage the symptoms.
For people withendometriosis-related infertility, one goal of treatment may be improving your chances of getting pregnant.
Endometriosis can also causeadhesions(scar tissue) that pull internal organs out of alignment.
Another goal ofendometriosis surgeryis to fix and restore the natural anatomy, which may help both symptoms and fertility.
Factors That Determine Endometriosis Treatment
Not everyone will have the same endometriosis treatment plan.
In many cases, endometriosis treatment starts with medical management.
In more severe cases or when medications are ineffective, excision surgery is another possible option.
It’s important to receive full informed consent from your healthcare provider when determining your endometriosis treatment.
Discuss all possible side effects or complications from surgery and medications.
Endometriosis Treatment vs.
Diagnosis
A definitive endometriosis diagnosis can only come with surgery.
Surgeons can resect (cut out) and analyze it through a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis.
Removing the tissue implants can both diagnose and offer therapeutic benefits.
This can help to reduce symptoms of endometriosis.
However, this treatment can have side effects and risks and should be used for a limited duration.
Will You Need Multiple Endometriosis Surgeries?
People who undergo endometriosis surgery may possibly need more than one surgery to address their symptoms.
Treatment for Secondary Endometriosis Conditions
Various health conditions may occur alongside endometriosis or cause similar symptoms.
Treatments for endometriosis will not necessarily help these conditions, and your symptoms may continue.
Similar conditions and their treatments include:
Does Endometriosis Go Away After a Hysterectomy?
It is an unfortunate myth that a hysterectomy is a treatment for endometriosis.
How Do You Treat Endometriosis at Home?
Many people with endometriosis learn ways to helpmanage symptoms at home.
Multiple studies have evaluated the economic impact of endometriosis.
It’s important to speak with a fertility doctor if you have endometriosis and are trying to get pregnant.
These muscular imbalances may remain even after surgical lesion removal, thoughpelvic floor physical therapycan help.
Hormonal therapy, pain medications, lifestyle changes, and pelvic physical therapy are often frontline interventions.
If your endometriosis symptoms are severe or not responding to minimally invasive strategies, you may consider surgery.
If you are, it’s important to find a healthcare provider who specializes in endometriosis.
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