ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATMENT
Endometriosis treatment aims to alleviate symptoms of endometriosis through pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus to develop outside of the uterus. In endometriosis patients, the tissue is often found on the ovaries, in the bowel, or around the pelvis. However, it is not exclusive to these areas of the body, in rare cases, it can be found elsewhere in the body.
Once the displaced tissue forms outside of the uterus, it can cause pain, infertility, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and bleeding. The lining behaves normally even though it is is displaced, meaning the tissue thickens, breaks down, but cannot be released through menstruation, which in turn causes pain. The condition is more likely to occur in women with relatives with the same condition, women who have not yet given birth, or women with frequent periods.
The type of treatment used depends on the individual patient and their symptoms. Some patients may find relief from pain medication, such as ibuprofen, which can help manage the pain. Other treatments include hormone therapy which can help eradicate pain. Many women may find relief from birth control that contains hormone, such as the contraceptive pill. Hormone therapy may also include injectable hormones. Whilst hormone therapy can be effective, patients should note that taking hormones may cause some side effects such as weight gain and depressive moods.
For more severe cases of endometriosis, surgery may be the best option of treatment. Surgery can often be performed laparoscopically and involves removing the growth of tissue and any scar tissue. In extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended, however usually only for patients who do have plan to have children.
If the patient is having difficulty conceiving as a result of endometriosis, the doctor may recommend IVF (in vitro fertilization treatment).
Recommended for
- Endometriosis
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Average length of stay abroad: 1 weeks.
The time needed will depend on the type of treatment.
- Number of trips abroad needed: 1.
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATMENT ABROAD
Once patients display symptoms of endometriosis, they should make an appointment with a gynecologist who will make a diagnosis. The gynecologist will conduct a series of tests which usually includes a pelvic exam, an ultrasound and in some cases a laparoscopy may be performed.
The doctor will then present the treatment options and will discuss these with the patient before deciding on the best course of treatment. If undergoing surgery, the patient is usually advised to refrain from eating or drinking in hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment options can vary. A first step is often to prescribe pain relief medication. For hormone therapy, the doctor will prescribe the treatment and advise on how to take it.
For more severe cases, surgery is performed to remove the growth. Surgery can be performed laparoscopically, which involves making a small incision in the abdomen, through which an endoscope fitted with small tools is inserted, and the growth and any scar tissue are removed. Alternatively, surgery can also be performed as open surgery making a larger incision and performing traditional surgery, however, laparoscopic surgery is preferred as it is less invasive. Once complete, the incision site is then closed with sutures.
In more extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be performed. The surgery involves removing uterus, and often the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the cervix.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATMENT
Potential risks
- Scar tissue formation
- Bleeding
- Infection
