How is endometriosis treated?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The treatment methods for endometriosis depend on the patient's age, the severity of symptoms, and whether they have childbearing requirements. For younger patients who wish to have children, conservative treatment methods are preferable, followed by ovulation induction therapy. For older patients with more severe symptoms, surgical treatment may be considered. If the patient does not have immediate childbearing requirements, a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) can be placed in the uterus. This device releases progesterone and provides excellent treatment results for endometriosis. If the symptoms of endometriosis are severe, manifesting in pronounced dysmenorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, or ovarian cysts, then surgical treatment should be considered.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometriosis

Endometriosis means that the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows in other locations. It can grow on the ovaries, inside the muscular layer of the uterus, or in the pelvic cavity. The ectopic endometrial tissue responds to changes in the body's estrogen levels during each menstrual cycle, creating symptoms similar to menstrual bleeding. If it grows on the ovaries, it may form a "chocolate cyst" on the ovaries that gradually enlarges with each menstrual cycle. If it grows within the muscular layer of the uterus, it can lead to adenomyosis, causing significant pain during menstruation. If it grows in the pelvic cavity, it can lead to the formation of pelvic lesions. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with such conditions seek prompt medical treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat endometriosis in the pelvic cavity?

When women suffer from pelvic endometriosis and the symptoms are not too severe—for instance, if the pain is relatively mild—they can be clinically observed during menstruation. If dysmenorrhea occurs, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin can help alleviate the symptoms. However, some women may experience more severe symptoms and may require pseudopregnancy treatment with drugs, such as oral contraceptives or progestin-based medications. Another approach involves using GnRH analogues, a method known as 'medical oophorectomy.' If symptoms are severe and treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention might be considered. Surgical options include electrocoagulation of endometriotic lesions in the pelvis, sharp or blunt dissection of adhesions, which can also improve the pelvic environment and potentially enhance fertility in women. (Note: Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometriosis treated?

Treatment methods for endometriosis include conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If the patient's symptoms are relatively mild, the dysmenorrhea is not very severe, and there is no occurrence of excessive menstruation or prolonged menstrual period, conservative treatment can be applied. Common conservative treatment methods include oral contraceptive pills, and a levonorgestrel-releasing system can be placed inside the uterine cavity. If the patient has reproductive demands and the symptoms are more severe, or if there is a chocolate cyst on both ovaries, surgical treatment can be performed, but the recurrence rate after surgery is also relatively high. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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What to do about dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis?

There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. An important cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis. The dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis comes from specific diseases, and the interventions include the following aspects: First, symptomatic treatment should be conducted first, which means using pain relief medication to alleviate the pain. In clinical practice, various pain relief medications can be used for dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis. Second, treatment should be aimed at the cause of the dysmenorrhea. Treatment for endometriosis currently includes both medicinal and surgical approaches. If surgical treatment is chosen, it can involve the removal of ectopic cysts or pelvic ectopic cysts, among other conditions; if medicinal treatment is chosen, methods such as pseudopregnancy or artificial menopause can be used.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Can endometriosis turn into cancer?

The answer is no. First, let's explain what endometriosis is. Endometriosis is when the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, is found outside of its normal location, including in the muscular layer of the uterus, the ovaries, the pelvic cavity, or the intestines; it can occur in any of these areas. This condition is known as endometriosis. Endometriosis within the uterus is a benign condition, but it can lead to severe painful menstruation and chocolate cysts. If the menstrual pain is very severe, there may be a possibility of needing a hysterectomy in the future. If a chocolate cyst occurs, surgery might also be necessary.