Endometriosis is a condition that affects between 10 to 15 percent of women during their reproductive years. It can be extremely painful causing severe cramping and heavy bleeding both during and between periods. In some women the menses stop for long periods of time. The kicker is that even with all the pain and irregular bleeding it still goes undiagnosed and untreated because women are quick to chalk it up to bad periods. For many women endometriosis isn’t diagnosed until they begin trying to conceive and have problems doing so.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for endometriosis, not unless you’re willing to turn to the option of surgery and a full hysterectomy. There are, however, endometriosis treatment options available to manage the condition and all of the symptoms it is responsible for. Managing the pain as well as the progression of the condition is just the start. The birth control pill is often prescribed as an endometriosis treatment because it helps regular the periods, lessens the blood flow and helps with cramps and pain. For some women, progesterone and other estrogen-blocking medications are prescribed because they stop the growth of the endometrium by limiting estrogen.
Working on infertility issues caused by endometriosis is another crucial part of treatment for women who want to conceive and this begins with getting the menstrual cycle under control and also checking for and possibly removing any scar tissue that may affect the ability to conceive. The use of IVF has also proven extremely successful in women with endometriosis.
Choosing Your Treatment
When it comes to choosing the best endometriosis treatment you need to work closely with your doctor to choose the option that best suits you and your situation. All cases of endometriosis have similarities, but no two women are alike. Your treatment has to be catered to you. You need to consider things like the impact that the condition is having on your quality of life. Also, do you want to have children? Are you fit for surgery? Are you able to take estrogen inhibitors or the birth control pill? These are all important things to know before making a choice.
For women who are having a hard time coping with endometriosis or even just want more information on endometriosis treatment options there are online forums and support groups. You can find others who have been where you are who will offer you the support and advice you need to help you deal. Information and support is really just a click away.
