When endometrial tissue grows in abnormal locations, the result is chronic pain that can impede everyday activities. Although managing endometriosis can be complex, there are several treatment approaches to help.
1. Pain Reduction
Using pain medications for endometriosis is often necessary, but can pose problems. Since endometriosis is a chronic problem, it is important to try and reserve your pain medications for times during the month when the pain is most severe and integrate other non-medication forms of pain management. During the worse pain, ibuprofen or naproxen might be helpful but is unlikely to leave you completely pain-free.
Consider discussing prescription pain medications with your doctor. They might prescribe stronger forms of anti-inflammatory pain medications or pain medications with a lower risk for abuse potential, such as tramadol. During times when you do not need as much pain control, using heating pads or a TENS unit might be enough to make the pain better.
2. Prescription Treatments
Your gynecologist might make recommendations for prescription treatments that can reduce some of the pain associated with endometriosis. Women are commonly prescribed hormonal therapy, usually in the form of birth control. Depending on your specific risk factors, you might be prescribed a progestin-only birth control, which may not carry the same risks as ones with estrogen.
One of the major advantages of taking birth control is certain types might stop you from having a period altogether, thereby reducing endometriosis pain. In 2018, a newer treatment, Elagolix, was approved for endometriosis. The medication is effective by helping reduce estrogen levels. Due to this reduction in estrogen, there is also the risk of osteoporosis, which you should also take into consideration if you want to try this treatment.
3. Surgery
Depending on whether you want children or are finished your family planning, you may want to consider various surgical methods to alleviate pain. The least-invasive treatment is laparoscopic surgery to cauterize endometrial tissue found in the abdominopelvic region. This procedure is ideal if you are not ready to terminate your reproductive years.
For women who do not want children or do not want to expand their family, it is worth considering a hysterectomy. Although the loss of your fertility is not an easy decision, many women who suffer from endometriosis or other gynecological problems are relieved to live a normal, pain-free life after surgery.
There is no easy way to reduce the pain of endometriosis. Trying a combination of different treatments or using surgical approaches will give you the best chance of reducing or eliminating the problem. For more information, contact your preferred obgyn.
Share25 July 2018
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