Endometriosis is a women’s health condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and eventually sheds into the abdominal cavity causing chronic pain, abnormal periods, and possible infertility. It is a common health concern diagnosed during their reproductive years, with 1 in 10 women suffering.

While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, effective treatment and management are available.

Endometriosis treatment

Understandably, if you are suffering from endometriosis, you will want quick relief from the pain and other related symptoms.

Your doctor will tailor a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and whether you are planning to start a family.  Treatment options for endometriosis include:

Treatment to improve fertility

• Surgical treatment: Involves laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue and cysts. At Wollongong Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Kothari also uses robotic surgery in the treatment of endometriosis.
• Assisted Reproductive Treatment: If you desire to start a family, this may be an option if surgical treatment has not helped. Commonly, ovulation-stimulating medication combined with Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) is all that is needed to improve fertility. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) may be recommended when the fallopian tubes are irreversibly damaged and if surgery and IUI have not helped achieve a pregnancy.

Treatment for pain:

• Medical treatments: If pain is the primary concern, your doctor may prescribe pain medication (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol). Alternatively, your doctor may suggest hormone pills to reduce oestrogen levels and slow down menstrual growth. This form of treatment is only suitable if you are not trying to fall pregnant.
• Surgical treatments:  laparoscopic surgery is often used to make the initial diagnosis and endometriosis treatment. As mentioned earlier, Dr Kothari also uses robotic surgery in the treatment of endometriosis. In rare cases of severe endometriosis, in which all other forms of treatment have failed, a hysterectomy may be considered.

Complementary therapies:

• Alternative therapies: You may opt for complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, either as a support to the medical or surgical treatment you undergo or simply as the ultimate form of treatment. If you consider using it alongside other forms of treatment, it is wise to discuss this with your doctor, as they may interfere with other medication.

Management of Endometriosis symptoms

In cases of mild endometriosis, your doctor may offer you solutions to manage symptoms rather than treat them.

Depending on the severity, some endometriosis will improve over time through careful management of symptoms, some may remain the same and require ongoing care, whilst others may become more severe.

Deciding to treat endometriosis

Whether you and your doctor decide to treat endometriosis will depend on the severity of the endometriosis, the risks of treatment, and the effect it is having on your life. These factors will also determine how your doctor decides to help you manage or treat endometriosis.

If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain and discomfort during the onset of menstruation, contact our team on 02 4225 1999 to book an appointment.

Before moving ahead with treatment, Dr Kothari will discuss all the options available to suit your circumstances. He will thoroughly advise you on the side effects and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment. Whatever your decision, Dr Kothari and his team will support you every step of the way.

 

Call: 02 4225 1999

Email: admin@wollongongObGy.com.au