Treatment Options

Medication and surgery can be given to treat the symptoms of Endometriosis. They do not cure the disease, but they can suppress the symptoms. Some of the more common treatment options are:

Surgical Removal of Endometriosis

A laparoscope is inserted into the belly button to provide light. A small incision is made to insert an instrument to remove the Endometriosis. It is important to remove "all" the Endometriosis and retain the organs unless a hysterectomy is chosen. This, as well as all treatments, should be discussed at length with your physician. Surgery is usually the treatment of choice.

Oral Contraceptives

Estrogen is commonly known as a stimulant to Endometriosis tissue. Birth control pills can prevent ovulation, and subsequent additional estrogen production. However, birth control pills contain estrogen. For some patients, the estrogen in the pills may just be a trade-off for the suppression, and no benefit is gained.

Progesterone (Provera)

Progesterone can also prevent ovulation and does not include any estrogen.

GNRH Analogs

Lupron, Synarel and Zoladex are medications that create a "menopause" state, and subsequently reduce estrogen production. These medications are only approved for 6 months of continued use. They are not a long-term solution to Endometriosis. The artificial menopause created by the Lupron is not permanent and the reproductive system returns to normal after Lupron is discontinued.