Endometriosis is characterised by endometrial tissue, which is usually found only in the uterine lining, growing on other parts of your body, such as your bowel, bladder and fallopian tubes. This condition can impact on your fertility, cause inflammation and make menstruation more painful. There are treatment options for endometriosis, but not all treatments are suitable for all women affected by the condition. Read on to learn about the main treatments for endometriosis.

Hormone Therapy

Your hormone levels rise and fall at different points in your menstrual cycle, and these fluctuations can result in the thickening of your endometrial tissue. Hormone therapy aims to alter the levels of certain hormones you produce to prevent any further endometrial tissue growth. This can lead to your existing endometrial tissue shrinking, which can bring relief from the symptoms of endometriosis. Hormone therapy will cause your period to stop and you won't be able to get pregnant while having this treatment.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery uses keyhole surgical techniques to remove excess endometrial tissue and break down associated scar tissue. This can improve your symptoms and can aid you in getting pregnant, as no endometrial tissue will be impeding ovulation or preventing your eggs from traveling along your fallopian tubes. Laparoscopic surgical techniques reduce your risk of developing post-surgical infections and reduce your recovery time. You should expect to rest for a few days after the procedure, but you'll notice a reduction in your symptoms pretty quickly.

Hysterectomy

Women who are either beyond their childbearing years or have no desire to get pregnant could find relief from their symptoms by having a hysterectomy. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. It's a major surgery, so you should expect to need at least a few weeks of recovery time. If you are still considered to be in your childbearing years, your doctor may require you to have a short course of counselling to ensure you have really considered the impact of losing the ability to conceive and aren't likely to regret your decision to have a hysterectomy.

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on the quality of your life, but many women suffer in silence after their diagnosis. This may be because they feel embarrassed to discuss their reproductive health with their doctor, or perhaps they are unaware that effective treatment options exist. If you've been diagnosed with endometriosis and would like to work on reducing the severity of your symptoms, discuss suitable treatment options with your doctor.

For more information on women's healthcare, contact a professional near you.