Currently, there is unfortunately no cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available for endometriosis aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life. Pain medications, hormonal medication and surgery are used to manage symptoms. Some also find success with pain management options including pelvic physio, heat (hot water bottles, heat packs), TENS machines and more.
The type of treatment you receive for your endometriosis should be decided in partnership between you and your healthcare team. There is no one size fits all when it comes to treatment and management. Your healthcare professional will consider many different factors when working out the best endometriosis treatment method for you. This may include factors including your age, the severity or type of endometriosis you have and your symptoms. Click here for more information on treatment and management of endometriosis.
Below, Jo breaks down three common myths on 'curing' endometriosis and why they cannot be considered cures.
Myth number one: A hysterectomy cures endometriosis
For some, a hysterectomy may be a positive step, and it is a definitive way to stop periods. But a hysterectomy is not guaranteed to put an end to symptoms such as pain, because endometriosis is outside of the uterus, having the uterus removed may not alleviate all symptoms. A hysterectomy alongside removal of endometriosis may be the recommended surgical option for those with endometriosis undergoing a hysterectomy, but there is a still a possibility that endometriosis can return. This is called disease recurrence.
A hysterectomy is not a decision to make lightly and it is important to remember that a hysterectomy is irreversible. Consider all options and discuss things fully with your GP or Gynaecologist.
Click here to download our leaflet 'Having a Hysterectomy' for more information
Myth number two: Pregnancy cures endometriosis
Endometriosis isn’t cured by nor does it disappear during pregnancy. Some may notice an improvement to their symptoms with periods stopping and endometriosis being less active. However, oestrogen is still produced in early pregnancy, this supports the baby until the placenta takes over so symptoms can still be present. Many with endometriosis have adhesions/ scar tissue and as the uterus grows, this can also cause pain due to tissues being pulled.
Click here to download our leaflet 'Endometriosis, Fertility and Pregnancy' for more information
Myth number three: The menopause cures endometriosis
For many, endometriosis symptoms will improve with menopause. This is because the ovaries stop producing oestrogen - endometriosis being oestrogen dependant. However, there is still oestrogen in the body, although at a much lower-level, oestrogen is also produced from fat tissue.
Some may be taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with menopausal symptoms. HRT contains oestrogen which can flare endometriosis symptoms. Adhesions/ scar tissue can continue to cause pain, and the affected nerves can become over-sensitised leading to chronic pelvic pain.
For more information, please check out our recent webinar sessions, Endometriosis and the Menopause and Endometriosis and HRT
Published: 1st November 2024
