No cure, but there are options to dampen the symptoms
Endometriosis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can often be easily reduced. The treatment depends largely on the severity of the symptoms and whether there is a desire to have children.
What a treatment program could look like
Pain relief
Usually the first step: regular painkillers such as NSAIDs, although these are not always effective in severe endometriosis.
Hormonal therapy
The contraceptive pill, a Hormone IUD or injection suppress the menstrual cycle and therefore often also the symptoms, because endometriosis is estrogen-sensitive.
Stronger hormone treatment
If the effect is insufficient, stronger hormones can be prescribed that temporarily bring the body into a transition-like state, with possibly add-back therapy against osteoporosis as a side effect.
Laparoscopy
An exploratory operation in which the gynecologist can cut or burn away endometriosis. This can serve as a diagnosis and treatment at the same time. The more tissue is removed, the smaller the chance of recurrence, but also the greater the risk of complications.
If you wish to have children: a separate consideration
Operation can improve the chance of a spontaneous pregnancy at certain stages, but is not always recommended before fertility treatment. This choice is made per situation.
What you can ask yourself
Mention the pain specifically to your GP
Describe how the pain relates to your cycle, how often you need painkillers and whether they work. Ask specifically about endometriosis if the pain does not feel normal.
Ask for referral if symptoms persist
If hormonal treatment has insufficient effect, a referral to a gynecologist, preferably an endometriosis center, is a realistic next step.
Keep your own file
Note which examinations and treatments have already been done. This way you don't always start from scratch.
Seek free support if you get stuck
If you cannot find a solution with care, an independent client support worker can you think along. That's free.
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.