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Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to
normally lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually in the
ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures. Finding an appropriate
endometriosis treatment can be challenge for some women.
Approximately 10 to 20 percent of American women within child-bearing age have
endometriosis. There are many symptoms of endometriosis, including: excessive
menstrual cramps, occasional heavy periods, sharp pain deep in the pelvis during
sexual intercourse, infertility, and pain during bowel movements.
Endometriosis treatment options range form support groups and physical therapy
to surgery. Hormonal endometriosis treatments can prove successful, but the
chances are high that once hormonal treatment has stopped, the endometriosis
pain will recur.
Another type of endometriosis treatment option is laparoscopic
surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is a relatively non-invasive surgery that may be
able to remove endometrial lesions. Pain may be relieved by this type of
treatment and if fertility is an issue, it may be corrected. If
other options have been unsuccessful, or if fertility is not an issue, a
traditional hysterectomy can be chosen. An abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral
salpingo-oorphoectomy will remove the uterus and ovaries, as well as any visual
endometriosis lesions. This type of hysterectomy is often a last-resort
endometriosis treatment option due to the invasiveness of the surgery.
It is important to note that none of these endometriosis treatment options will
"guarantee" endometriosis pain to stop. One should consider all treatment
options carefully before making a decision. |
