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Tine Mataz
HELLO again readers. Last week you learnt about the symptoms and signs of endometriosis and some of them may have resonated with you. Now that you know the symptoms, how can you treat them or treat endometriosis? Endometriosis does not have a known cure but there are several treatments that may alleviate the pain and symptoms. Endometriosis also has stages.
The stages are one to four. Stage one will consist of minimal lesions of endometriosis and stage four being most severe, with the most lesions as well as organ fusion. Because I had late diagnosis and late treatment, I currently have stage four endometriosis with daily pain. It is extremely important to seek treatment as soon as you can so as to avoid having a severe stage of endometriosis.
Usually when you visit a doctor (but I always prefer a gynaecological specialist) they will do a pelvic exam and try to feel for masses or cysts. Most times a doctor cannot feel endometriosis when doing a pelvic exam so an ultrasound or MRI can be done to try and view your reproductive system. That as well will not always confirm anything, hence the best way to confirm that you have endometriosis is by having a laparascopy.
A laparascopy is a surgical procedure where small incisions are made on your abdomen and a viewing instrument (laparascope) is inserted to view what is going on inside you. This can then determine the extent of the disease and what type of treatment you will need.
So what are the treatment options?
(1) Pain medications: Over the counter medications like brufen, diclofenac or naproxen can help relieve pain. In more severe cases you may need to get prescription medication like tramadol.
(2) Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may reduce your symptoms as they reduce the rate of growth of endometriosis. There are different types of hormone therapy.
(a) Contraceptives: Birth control may help to make periods lighter and regular. A lot of women may be wary of birth control especially when it is used for younger girls but it is really to help you feel better.
(b) Progestin therapy: A progestin-only contraceptive like visanne, the mirena coil, depovera, yasmin, yaz and many more, that women may take to reduce symptoms, reduce heavy bleeding and make the periods regular.
(c) Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnR H): I have recently started one type of this treatment and it can be quite hectic as it they too can be used in the treatment of prostrate or breast cancer treatments. This type of therapy will be used in severe cases of endometriosis. They block the production of ovarian stimulating hormones, lowering estrogen which then stops menstruation. These type of drugs also have a lot of side effects.
(3) Excision surgery: This is the best type of treatment for endometriosis. Endometriosis is cut out carefully and from the root so that it does not grow back quickly. Hysterectomy (removal of uterus) is said to be a cure for endometriosis but it is not. In some cases having a hysterectomy may relieve symptoms but it is not a cure.
Pregnancy as well may relieve symptoms but it is not a cure for endometriosis. There are different types of treatment for endometriosis and it’s really about finding what works for you. What may work for you may not work for someone else and vice versa, but the important thing is to get treated to avoid further issues. Next week we will talk about diet and alternative ways to treat endometriosis.
Until then, stay safe, and remember you may contact me on +263778062402. I am here for you.
-In our last week’s instalment, we erroneously said the article on endometriosis was written by Kimberly Nyathi, when it was in fact, written by Tine Mataz. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused — Editor.
derick.khumalo