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Endometriosis Treatments: The Most Effective Therapies

So, you think you might have endometriosis. All of the symptoms sound just like what you’ve been experiencing and your doctor may have even mentioned the possibility.

You can’t help but wonder…what’s next? What endometriosis treatments are available? Is there a cure for endometriosis? Will endometriosis affect your fertility?

Before discussing treatments, it’s important to understand exactly what endometriosis is and how it is diagnosed.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium (the lining in your uterus) grows outside your uterus. There are three main types of endometriosis:

1. Superficial peritoneal lesion

This is the most common form of endometriosis. In this type of endometriosis, the endometrium grows on your peritoneum, a thin lining surrounding the pelvic cavity.

2. Endometrioma

In this condition, the endometrium grows within your ovaries, creating cysts.

3. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis

This type of endometriosis is rare. In this type, the endometrium grows under the peritoneum and may even grow on or near other organs such as the bladder.

Endometriosis can cause painful periods, heavy flow during menstruation, fatigue, and even make it hard to get pregnant. In fact, up to 50% of women with infertility have endometriosis.

To diagnose endometriosis, doctors usually start by considering your symptoms. Sometimes imaging tests such as ultrasounds and MRIs can help doctors determine if you have endometriosis.

However, the only way to confirm an endometriosis diagnosis is with surgery. Usually, surgery is laparoscopic, which means a very small incision is made, and then a tiny camera is inserted into your body. This helps doctors see the endometrium tissue.

Endometriosis Treatment Options

If your doctor suspects you have endometriosis, you are probably wondering what endometriosis treatment options are available. You may also wonder if endometriosis can go away without treatment? Or if there are there natural treatment options? Read on to learn more about the treatment options available.

Medical Treatments for Endometriosis

The most common medical treatments for endometriosis are hormone therapy and surgery. Hormones such as birth control pills can help stop you from having your period. This means that the endometrial tissue won’t bleed as much, which can alleviate some symptoms. Plus, it can reduce the amount of scarring and inflammation of the endometrial tissue.

Surgery is the only treatment that can remove the endometrial tissue. Typically, surgery is laparoscopic, which means it’s minimally invasive. In addition to improving symptoms, surgery can also improve your chances of getting pregnant. In this blog post, discover what you can expect for your fertility after endometriosis surgery.  

Unfortunately, sometimes endometrial tissue continues to grow outside the uterus after surgery. This typically happens a few years after the procedure.

Your doctor will help determine the most effective and helpful treatment options for your unique situation.

Natural Treatments for Endometriosis

There are some natural treatments for endometriosis that you can try at home. Here are a few to consider:

  • Diet - Some evidence shows that a diet high in red meat and low in fruit and vegetables can put you at higher risk for developing endometriosis. This may be because eating a lot of red meat can cause your body to produce more estrogen, which may, in turn, cause excessive growth of endometrial tissue. So, try to reduce your consumption of red meat and eat more fruits and vegetables instead. Also, avoid trans fats, which also put you at higher risk for developing this condition.
  • Exercise - Research also suggests that exercise can lower your body’s production of estrogen. In addition, exercising can make your period lighter, which can reduce symptoms of pain and discomfort.

However, it’s important to note that these natural treatments may not make a difference in your condition. Also, talk to your doctor about any alternative therapies that you would like to pursue to make sure they’re safe for you.

Treatments for Endometriosis Pain

We know that endometriosis pain can be debilitating. Luckily, there are many ways to manage endometriosis pain. Here are a few things you can try:

  • Pain killers (NSAIDs)
  • Hot water bottle
  • Exercise

Plus, medical treatments for endometriosis such as hormone therapy and surgery can also alleviate pain.

Is there a Cure for Endometriosis?

Unfortunately, there’s no true cure for endometriosis. Yet, it is important to note that pregnancy may temporarily relieve endometriosis. Also, for some women, endometriosis disappears during or after menopause.

Don’t lose hope! Even though there’s no cure, the right endometriosis treatment options and a good team of doctors can help you effectively manage this condition.

Whether you’re ready to get relief from your endometriosis symptoms or want to overcome endometriosis-caused infertility, we’re here to help. Set up your appointment with Kofinas Fertility Group today!  

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