How To Treat Endometriosis
Do your periods leave you in bed all day writhing in pain? It is normal to experience cramping with a menstrual cycle, but if you experience debilitating pain, you may have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus will begin to grow outside of it. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the intestines. Endometriosis can cause a significant amount of pain when left untreated. Some of the common symptoms of the condition include painful, irregular, or abnormally heavy menstruation; pain in the lower abdomen, back, rectum, or vagina; painful intercourse; gastrointestinal problems; and infertility. While endometriosis can be a challenging condition to endure, there are treatment options available to provide relief.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy has been shown to slow the growth of existing endometrial tissue and prevent new growths from forming. Hormone therapy should not be considered a permanent solution for endometriosis but may serve to resolve symptoms temporarily. Some examples of this type of therapy include birth control in many forms such as pills, patches, or a ring. Contraceptive implants, such as an intrauterine device, or contraceptive injections may be used to stop the menstrual cycle. A different type of hormonal therapy is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and antagonist, which will ultimately lower estrogen levels and stop menstruation. Another medicine used to reduce excess estrogen is an aromatase inhibitor, which is typically used alongside a hormonal contraceptive.
Continue reading to learn how pain medication can help endometriosis.
Pain Medication
A hallmark symptom of endometriosis is abnormally strong cramps with every menstrual cycle. Painful menstrual cramps can be debilitating at times and leave the sufferer desperate for relief. Women living with endometriosis may also experience lower back pain accompanying their menstrual cycles. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, may be tried to aid in the relief of painful menstrual cramps. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, these medications should only be taken as directed on the bottle. If you discover taking over-the-counter pain medication does not alleviate your pain, discuss other pain relief options.
Continue reading to learn when surgery may be an option for treating endometriosis.
Surgery
Doctors may recommend surgery to remove endometrial implants to patients who wish to become pregnant in the near future or have a severe or complex case of endometriosis. A surgical procedure can be completed laparoscopically, which is typically less invasive, or through the abdomen. The type of procedure recommended will be determined by how extensive endometriosis has become. Completion of either of these two surgeries will allow women to keep their uterus and ovaries, thus preserving fertility. If a future pregnancy is not a factor, the doctor may suggest a full hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries. Removing the uterus and ovaries will induce menopause due to the lack of estrogen and may eliminate future symptoms.
Keep reading for information on the benefit of regular exercise on endometriosis.
Regular Exercise
A regular exercise routine has many proven benefits. Not only does exercise improve overall health but it could also prove beneficial in managing symptoms of endometriosis. You may be concerned exercise may make endometriosis symptoms worse; however, regular exercise lowers estrogen in the body, which may help alleviate some endometriosis symptoms. Participating in moderate daily exercise will not only help you maintain a healthy weight, but it will also release endorphins in the brain, which have been shown to have a natural pain-relieving effect. It may be advised to stay away from very strenuous activities, which can have the potential to exacerbate the condition.
Continue reading to learn what role fertility treatment plays in treating endometriosis.
Fertility Treatment
Endometriosis can bring challenges to women trying to conceive. The excess scar tissue may cause adhesions throughout the pelvis, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It has been suggested adhesions caused by endometriosis can impair the function of the fallopian tubes by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting inside the uterus, causing an increased risk for an ectopic pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend a fertility specialist who can recommend different medications to assist in achieving a successful pregnancy. Some of the treatments offered are medications that will stimulate ovaries to produce the appropriate hormones that cause the ovaries to make and release an egg. If appropriate, surgical options may be suggested. There is a large range of fertility treatments available such as in-vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, or intrafallopian transfers.