What Can I Do?
Endometriosis can cause chronic pain, which can interfere with a patient’s daily life and activities. Managing that pain is essential to living with endometriosis, and your gynecologist can work with you to devise a treatment plan that will have a maximum impact on you.
Health care providers will typically consider many factors when determining what your best treatment options for endometriosis are, including:
● Your age
● The severity of your symptoms
● The severity of your disease and where the tissue has spread
● Whether you are of childbearing age or whether you want to have children
Many women with endometriosis are prescribed oral contraceptives, which contain estrogen and progestin. These hormones help regulate the growth of uterine tissue and can help ease endometriosis pain. These contraceptives can have side effects, and there are some serious risks for women, especially those older than 35, including blood clots. Women may be prescribed progesterone and progestin pills or injections to reduce symptoms by reducing or eliminating a woman’s menstrual cycle. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can be used to prevent ovulation, menstruation and endometriosis growth. This final treatment sends the body into a “menopausal” state. Treatment for endometriosis may include surgical options, depending on a woman’s age and desire to have children.
In addition to hormone therapy and surgical options, doctors may prescribe pain medication, which can range from over the counter painkillers to much stronger prescription medications.