TREATING AND MANAGING ENDOMETRIOSIS
Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for someone living with the condition.
Treatment for endometriosis at any given point will depend upon a range of factors including age, current symptoms, clinical history, the extent of the condition, co-morbidities, cultural considerations, and your preferences and priorities which may include pain management and / or fertility.
Surgical Treatment
Excision surgery (as opposed to laser ablation or electrocoagulation/diathermy) is the gold standard of treating endometriosis and highly-skilled endometriosis surgeons can excise (remove) endometriosis and adhesions during a laparoscopy to restore anatomy and improve fertility during this diagnostic procedure.
You can download our Surgery and Hormonal Management for Endometriosis in NZ Information Guide here.
Hormonal Treatment
As endometriosis responds and grows when exposed to the female hormone oestrogen, several hormone treatments attempt to block or reduce the production of oestrogen in the body.
This means the endometriosis will be unable to continue growing and will help to relieve symptoms, making the treatment effective in treating the pain associated with endometriosis.
Hormonal treatments can be used on their own or in combination with surgical treatment and/or analgesics (pain relief).
You can download our Surgery and Hormonal Management for Endometriosis in NZ Information Guide here.
Pain Relief Treatment
Pain is a symptom of endometriosis and there are various pain relief and pain management options available.
Pain medication does not prevent the growth of endometriosis; however, the management of pain is an important part of managing the condition.
It is important to understand how different medications work and should be taken, to improve their effectiveness.
You can download our Endometriosis Pain and Pain Management Information Guide here.
Pain Management Techniques
Many people find that other pain management techniques help to manage their pain and techniques can be implemented and managed by the individual without relying on medical interventions.
Pain management techniques include using heat, a TENS machine, aromatherapy, self-hypnosis, and implementing relaxation, pacing and distracting techniques.
You can download our Endometriosis Pain and Pain Management Information Guide here.