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Treating the condition
Endometriosis can be successfully treated with a number of different
drug and surgical therapies, though all have some associated drawbacks
and side effects. Its worth bearing in mind that although potentially
painful, this condition is never malignant nor is it necessarily
progressive, and only around a third of women with mild endometriosis go
on to develop a more serious condition.
If you can cope with over the counter pain relief during menstruation,
perhaps along with recommended complementary therapies such as acupuncture,
aromatherapy or reflexology, thats almost certainly the best solution.
However, for women with severe or disabling symptoms, the following drug
options are available:
Testosterone derivatives such as Danazol or Gestrinone. These drugs suppress
rather than cure symptoms and can cause major side effects including weight
gain, acne, cramps and tiredness.
Synthetic progesterone such as Provera. Again, this only suppresses symptoms
and can cause breast tenderness, irritability and depression.
GnRH analogues such as Zoladex, Synarel or Seprecur. These hormonal
treatments bring about a state of false menopause and are usually prescribed
only when other treatments fail. They are effective at relieving the pain
of endometriosis but are likely to cause hot flushes and other menopausal
-type symptoms.
Combined oral contraceptive or the Mirena intrauterine system (IUS). These
mimic the hormonal effects of pregnancy, have minimal side effects and
relieve pelvic pain and cramps in eight out of ten women. Theyre no use,
however, if the treatment is aimed at reversing fertility, as both are
highly effective contraceptives.
Conservative surgery aimed at removing and destroying the endometrial
growths. This is usually carried out by laparoscopy or laparotomy, the
latter being an operation in which the abdominal area is cut open. Apart
from the immediate discomfort, surgery has fewer side effects and lasts
longer than drug treatments; it is usually recommended when a woman wants
to become pregnant right away. However, it carries the same risks as any
invasive procedure.
Hysterectomy, the last resort treatment for women whose lives are seriously
disabled by the condition, may be performed after all other treatments have
been ruled out.
Five questions to ask your GP
What can I do to help control my symptoms?
Will pain medication make me feel better?
How might endometriosis affect my sex life?
Will endometriosis affect my ability to have children?
Are there surgical options other than a hysterectomy? If Im recommended this
surgery, how will I know that the surgeon has expertise in this area?
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