If endometriosis goes untreated it can spread to other areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other areas of the abdomen. Endometriosis can be asymptomatic but when there are symptoms women usually complain of pain mainly where the extra tissue is growing. Also endometriosis can cause infertility. Because of the issues related to pain and even for those women who do not experience pain infertility is reason enough to seek treatment.

Endometriosis is a condition that cannot be cured but can be treated. In order to treat endometriosis a doctor specifically an OBGYN doctor will administer a pelvic exam to look for the spread of tissue outside of the uterus. In addition other medical procedures may be necessary such as having an MRI to capture images of the abdomen area and a surgery named laparoscopy which is administered by placing a small cut on the abdomen and then using a lighted tube to view the contents of the abdomen.

A laparoscopy is the definitive procedure to determine if a patient is in fact afflicted with endometriosis. After successfully diagnosing endometriosis, there are a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the condition.

Some non-invasive options for treating endometriosis are birth control pills which help to diminish the growth of tissue and alleviate pain. Other options include hormone therapy and prescribing NSAIDS or anti-inflammatory drugs which will stop bleeding and pain. Depending on the severity of the endometriosis surgery may be required.

A doctor may prescribe laparoscopy to detect the endometriosis and then surgically remove the excess tissue which will alleviate pain. If the severity of the endometriosis is severe a doctor may suggest having a hysterectomy which is the removal of the uterus or an oophorectomy which is the removal of the ovaries. These two surgical procedures will decrease the level of estrogen in the body which may decrease the symptoms of endometriosis.

In choosing a method of treatment it is important to speak to a doctor about your expectations and concerns. Although there are a number of treatments, not all of them are reasonable for everyone. If you are women who is considering having a family some of the treatments which work the best like birth control, hormone therapy and the surgical options may not be advisable. Finding a treatment for endometriosis should be a joint effort with a trusted physician.