Effective endometriosis treatment options can help you manage difficult symptoms, potentially improving your quality of life. While there’s no cure for endometriosis, these treatments can still provide crucial relief, and it’s important to understand what they are and how they work.
This guide to treatments for endometriosis explores the most common approaches to treating the medical condition, providing a clear overview of how each method works, the science behind it, and its effectiveness.
All information in this article has been reviewed by a qualified, expert practitioner.
List of endometriosis treatment options
- Hormone therapy
- Pain management
- Surgery
The route to treatment for endometriosis
From making the initial decision to seek treatment, to choosing a treatment option, acting on endometriosis can be a complicated process and will depend on having an accurate diagnosis. However, getting an endometriosis diagnosis isn’t as straightforward as it should be. For too many women, it can take years of frustrating appointments and inquiries, even if you have several endometriosis symptoms.
But, getting a diagnosis, and beginning your route to treatment, doesn’t have to be this hard.
EndoSure is a diagnostic test for endometriosis that’s quick, accessible, and accurate. Evidenced by new clinical research, EndoSure lets you bypass years of waiting and get a diagnosis within hours, ruling endometriosis in or out with a high degree of certainty.
Learn more about EndoSure and book a test with a clinic near you.
Understanding your treatment options for endometriosis
Your best course of treatment for endometriosis depends on several factors, including your individual symptoms, severity, and future fertility goals. It’s important to remember that whatever endometriosis treatment you decide to pursue, the goal is to manage the impact of endometriosis symptoms and reduce their severity.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the most commonly used treatment approaches:
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy aims to regulate hormone production, preventing the growth of endometriosis implants and reducing inflammation.
How it works: Different hormonal medications work in various ways. Birth control pills can suppress ovulation and menstruation, leading to a decrease in endometrial tissue growth. Other options like progestin-only therapies, such as the progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD), can also achieve similar results.
Scientific research: Numerous studies support the effectiveness of hormone therapy in managing endometriosis symptoms, particularly pain associated with periods and sexual intercourse. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology found that hormonal therapy led to a significant reduction in pain scores among women with endometriosis.
Effectiveness: Hormone therapy can be very effective for many women, with studies showing success rates of up to 80% in reducing pain symptoms. However, it’s important to bear in mind potential side effects with your doctor, as these can vary depending on the specific medication used. Some common side effects may include weight gain, breast sensitivity, and mood swings.
Pain management
Pain management can also be a key aspect of endometriosis treatment, helping you cope with discomfort and improve your quality of life.
How it works: Pain management strategies encompass various approaches, including over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen, prescription medications, and heat therapy.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are the first line of defense for many women. Prescription medications, such as stronger pain relievers or nerve blockers, may be necessary for more severe pain. Supplementary to these options, heat therapy techniques, such as using heating pads or hot water bottles, can help relax muscles and ease cramps.
Scientific research: Studies have shown the effectiveness of pain medication, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in reducing pain associated with endometriosis. A 2020 review published in Cochrane Reviews found that NSAIDs were effective in reducing pain during menstruation for women with endometriosis.
Effectiveness: Pain management can significantly improve your daily life by reducing pain intensity and allowing you to participate in activities you might otherwise avoid. It can make otherwise simple tasks more manageable, and allow you to focus on more than your pain in difficult moments. Studies have shown that effective pain management can improve the quality of life for up to 80% of women with endometriosis.
Surgery
Surgery can be an option for removing or destroying endometriosis implants, particularly when other treatment methods haven’t been successful, or when less invasive treatments have already been explored.
How it works: There are different surgical approaches for endometriosis, with laparoscopy being the most common. This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and a camera to visualise and remove endometriosis tissue. Laparoscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing for a quicker recovery time.
In the most severe cases of endometriosis, more intensive surgery can also be an option of last resort, with the potential for an operation that removes part or all of the organs impacted by endometriosis and the build-up of tissue.
Scientific research: Research supports the effectiveness of laparoscopy in improving endometriosis symptoms and fertility outcomes in some women, with studies showing that laparoscopy can lead to improved pregnancy rates in some women with endometriosis.
Effectiveness: Surgery can be a definitive treatment for endometriosis, offering long-term relief for up to 70% of women. However, there is also a small risk of recurrence.
Deciding not to treat endometriosis
Medical intervention isn’t for everyone, and you may decide not to seek treatment for endometriosis. Especially if your endometriosis doesn’t cause significant pain and discomfort, this may be an appealing option.
In most instances, people who don’t seek treatment will find that their symptoms remain the same. However, some women have reported their symptoms improving over time, while some have reported their symptoms worsening. In this case, deciding whether or not to treat endometriosis is about balancing the impact of the treatment against the severity of your symptoms.
For most women, symptoms of endometriosis will naturally settle down as menstruation comes to an end post-menopause. This is because women’s hormones will stabalise at a consistent, lower level. This change can also play a role in determining whether you seek treatment, and when.