Treatments of Endometriosis 

Although there’s no cure for endometriosis, there are various treatments of Endometriosis which focus on relieving the symptoms. The treatment can be used relieve symptoms like severe pain, fertility issues or heavy bleeding

You can discuss the treatment options with your gynaecologist. Your doctor will take you through the treatment options according to the risks and benefits of each individual. Your doctor will look out for several factors like age, future pregnancy or pain to find the treatment is right for you.

Treatments of endometriosis include:

Pain relieving medications

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Drugs like NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen or paracetamol, can be prescribed to reduce the pain. These painkillers are also available OTC, but you should consult a doctor if you are suffering from any health issue. If the pain is not relieved even after taking painkillers you must discuss with your doctor.

Hormonal treatment

Hormonal treatments aim at decreasing the level of oestrogen in your body. Oestrogen is responsible mainly for the growth and shedding of endometrial tissue.

The main types of hormonal methods include:

1. Combined oral contraceptive pill:

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The combined oral contraceptive pill contains two hormones named oestrogen and progestogen work by stopping the release of egg or ovulation. They help to relieve symptoms of endometriosis like they make the periods less painful and also reduce heavy bleeding. Although these can be used for long periods of time, there are certain side effects that you can discuss with your doctor before taking them.

2. Progestogens

Progestogens are the synthetic hormones that act like natural progesterone. They are available in the form of the intrauterine devices, the contraceptive injection, implant or the progestogen-only-pill. These progestogens work by preventing the endometrial lining of the uterus and endometriosis tissue from growing. Some side effects of these include:

• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Menstrual irregularities 
• Bloating

GnRH analogues or Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues 

GnRH analogues are synthetic hormones that act like natural GnRH and work by reducing the production of oestrogen in the body which stops the menstrual cycle.

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They aren’t a form of contraceptives so discuss with your doctor for using contraceptives along with them.

Surgical methods 

Surgical methods are used to remove the areas of endometriosis tissue. Depending upon the type and conditions of endometriosis, surgical methods can either be laparoscopy or hysterectomy. It’s important to discuss the procedure and know the risk factors before the surgery.

Talk to the Gytree experts to know more about the treatment method best suited for you.