Diagnosing and Treating Endometriosis

• IUD. An IUD that emits a progestin called levonorgestrel can help with symptoms of endometriosis. In some women it suppresses ovulation, and in most women it reduces painful bleeding episodes. Side effects may include irregular bleeding. The IUD needs to be replaced every five years in women under 40.
• Surgery. Surgery to remove endometrial tissue can be performed laparoscopically, avoiding an abdominal incision. In this surgery, the tissue is removed either by laser, heat or both. Some doctors also destroy uterine nerve tissue, preventing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Excisional surgery is effective in about 80 percent of women. However, other studies find symptoms recur in between 20 percent and 30 percent of women, despite optimal treatment.

As you can see, endometriosis is a complex condition that can significantly affect the quality of a woman's life. If you're diagnosed with this condition, don't despair; together, you and your doctor should be able to find a treatment, or combination of treatments, to relieve your pain and bleeding.