$Unique_ID{BRK00196} $Pretitle{} $Title{What are the Treatments for Endometriosis?} $Subject{endometriosis cause treatment Genitourinary System uterus ovaries fallopian tubes tube pelvic menstruate menstruation pregnancy infertility danazol lupron nafarelin ovary infertile fertility fertile sterile sterility} $Volume{J-14} $Log{ Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf Endometriosis*0010201.scf An Ovary with Chocolate Cysts*0010202.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What are the Treatments for Endometriosis? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I'm rapidly approaching the time when I must do something more about my condition called "endometriosis". I am told there are new medicines soon to be available, and that even surgery isn't as complicated anymore, but I am hard to convince. Will you please discuss the problem, and offer your opinion? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: This painful disease which attacks women of child bearing age deserves attention in this column, and I am pleased to offer you the information you request. Endometriosis occurs when fragments of the tissue which normally forms the lining of the uterus are found outside of their normal location; on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and even in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. These clusters of cells follow the same pattern as the normally situated tissue, and grow and menstruate, but have no way of discharging the flow from the body. Thus it accumulates in cysts, which grow larger and painful, blocking the tubes and preventing pregnancy. In fact endometriosis is the third leading cause of infertility, though pregnancy can help end the condition. During pregnancy, cyclic growth of the endometrial tissue is halted, and cyst development may be stopped permanently. The medications currently available are effective since they trick the body into thinking that a pregnancy exists, which halts the production of the hormones that cause menstruation. The most commonly used medications, danazol and lupron are quite effective, but frequently cause serious and unwanted side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, acne, excessive hair growth and even personality changes. A new drug, nafarelin, is currently under development, and is reported to have fewer negative effects, but has not yet been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration, although many physicians would like to see the approval procedure hastened. Surgery is less traumatic then before, as newer techniques use laser scalpels and thin fiber optic tubes which permit the surgeon to destroy areas of endometriosis through small openings rather than the larger incisions used previously. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.