Although there is no cure for endometriosis it can be suppressed successfully. The modality of treatment can be medical, surgical or a combination of both the techniques.

The type of treatment is decided depending on the factors such as the

• Age of the patient,

• Presenting complaints and

• The desire to have a child

Along with painkillers certain drugs that can prevent the cyclic changes which occur during menstruation are advised for women, who do not desire to have a child. Below are some of the commonly advised drugs.

1. Oral contraceptives

2. Drugs belonging to the group called progestin, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists and

3. Danazol

Surgical treatment:

Surgical treatment is advised for women who desire fertility and in women with severe endometriosis ¹. Depending on the severity of endometriosis, about 40–70% of women who have undergone surgery may become pregnant .¹Other women may require assisted reproductive techniques to get pregnant.

Next page: Causes and risk factors of endometriosis

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 22, 2012