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There are many options open today
for the management of pain in women with endometriosis.
These include drug treatments, natural remedies, surgical
procedures such as pre-sacral neurectomy (PSN) and the
LUNA procedure in which nerves are severed to prevent
pain, and lifestyle alterations. All may help an individual
to varying degrees. Each person must try to maintain her
own program for pain management to suit her own symptoms
and lifestyle. Some of these options include:
-GnRH agonists. A first-line treatment,
oral or injected gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
agonists temporarily cause female hormone levels to drop,
which interrupts the menstrual cycle and relieves pain.
-NSAIDs. Short for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
agents (aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen), they relieve
pain from swelling.
-Progestins. are the oldest drugs used
for endometriosis. Can prevent ovulation and reduce the
risk for endometriosis because they include luteinizing
hormone (LH), one of the reproductive hormones important
in ovulation
-Antiprogestins: reduce both estrogen
and progesterone receptors
-Surgery. minimal invasive surgical techniques
that improve precision, reduce patient discomfort and
reduce recovery time. Laparoscopy lets surgeons use heat,
lasers or a surgical knife to remove small tissue clumps.
A laparotomy is a larger operation to remove tissue throughout
the abdomen. As a last resort, surgeons sometimes perform
a hysterectomy to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and
ovaries.
-Alternative medicine. With a doctor's
guidance, some women undergo acupuncture, immune system
therapy or meditation to ease pain.
-Lifestyle changes. Exercising, getting
enough sleep and eating well helps the body fight pain;
a heating pad or a hot bath can relieve discomfort.
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