Endometriosis is a condition that affects the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium). It can cause pain, infertility, and other problems. There are many treatments available for endometriosis. The most common endometriosis treatments are surgery, medication, and radiation.
There are several types of surgery that can be used to treat endometriosis. These include laparoscopic surgery, laparotomy, laparoscopy with adhesives, and open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is usually the most effective and least invasive type of surgery.
Laparoscopic surgeries use small incisions that are made through the skin and muscle tissues instead of through the abdominal wall. This makes it less painful and less likely to cause scarring.
Medications are often the first line of treatment for endometriosis. The most common type of medication is oral birth control pills (OCPs). OCPs help to stop ovulation from happening and can reduce the amount of estrogen in your body.
They may also help to relieve pain and improve your symptoms overall. Other medications that can be used to treat endometriosis include gonadotropin. Surgery can be effective in treating endometriosis, but it can also cause complications such as pain, infertility, and excess scarring. Other treatments for endometriosis include medication, radiation therapy, and cryotherapy (freezing).
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy the cells that are causing the symptoms of endometriosis. Cryotherapy uses cold temperatures to destroy the cells that are causing the symptoms of endometriosis.