Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue that usually lines the uterus inside grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain, infertility, and other problems. While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatments can help relieve symptoms. Endometriosis can cause lower back pain and painful sex. If that wasn’t bad enough, the condition is estimated to affect over 176 million worldwide. If you have been looking for a way to manage your endometriosis pain, an Upper East Side endometriosis specialist can provide a solution.
Luckily, many with endometriosis can benefit from various treatments, and we look at some of them below.
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Surgery For Endometriosis
An expert can perform a few different types of surgery for endometriosis. The most common is laparoscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure. This type of surgery uses small incisions and a camera to help the doctor see inside your body. Other types of surgery include open surgery and robotic surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best kind for you based on your symptoms and the size and location of your endometriosis. Some of the factors that they may consider are:
- The size of your endometriosis
- The site of your endometriosis
- Your age
- Your overall health
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Hormonal Treatments
There are a few different hormonal treatments that you can use to treat endometriosis. The most common is birth control pills, which work by suppressing the hormones that cause your menstrual cycle. These help to reduce the symptoms of endometriosis. Other hormonal treatments include progesterone injections, implants, and progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs). The hormonal therapy that is right for you will depend on your symptoms, age, and whether or not you are trying to get pregnant. Some of the things that your doctor will consider when determining the proper hormonal treatment for you include:
- Your age
- The type and severity of your endometriosis symptoms
- Whether or not you are trying to get pregnant
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Alternative and Complementary Treatments
You can use a few alternative and complementary treatments to treat endometriosis. Some of the most common include:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Meditation
- Hot or cold packs
- Acupressure
- Supplements (such as vitamin E)
- Herbal remedies (such as chaste berry
- Massage therapy
- Biofeedback training
- Yoga/Pilates
- Dietary changes
You can use these treatments alone or in combination with other therapies. The alternative and complementary treatments that are right for you will depend on your symptoms and preferences.
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Medication For Endometriosis
There are a few different medications you can use to treat endometriosis. The most common is pain medication, which can help reduce the pain caused by the condition. Other drugs include hormonal treatments and surgery. Your doctor will discuss the best type of medication for you based on your symptoms and preferences. When prescribing medicines, your doctor will consider your condition’s severity, age, and whether or not you want to conceive.
In summary, endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue that usually lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. No cure exists, but you can benefit from treatments that make it less severe. They include medications, surgery, hormonal therapies, and alternative and complementary treatments.
