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From pain to hope: How to treat pain in endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease that affects many women and is characterized by the growth of cells similar to the endometrium outside the uterus. These cells may appear in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, other tissues in the pelvis, and even in other organs. According to statistics, approximately 1.9 million women are affected by this disease, and diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Many patients often need to be examined by multiple doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis. The pain and discomfort caused by this disease can have a serious impact on women's quality of life.
In addition, about 70% of patients experience severe pain during menstruation, and endometriosis is often characterized by chronic pelvic pain, which not only affects the body but also impacts mental health.
Symptoms and effects
The symptoms and course of endometriosis vary from person to person and may include, but are not limited to, persistent pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, pain during sexual intercourse, painful urination, and infertility. According to research, about 25% of women experience no obvious symptoms, while others may experience unbearable pain.
Studies have shown that endometriosis is associated with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as persistent pain can lead to mood disorders.
Diagnostic Process
While the diagnosis of endometriosis is usually based on symptoms and medical imaging tests, the final diagnosis usually requires laparoscopy to confirm. Many patients are misdiagnosed during the medical process. Patients often face up to seven doctors and it takes an average of 6.7 years to get an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, there are a number of treatment options that can improve symptoms, including:
- Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, are often used to relieve pain.
- Hormonal therapy: such as continuous use of oral contraceptives or use of an intrauterine device containing a progestin.
- Surgery: For patients whose symptoms cannot be managed with other treatments, surgical removal of endometriosis lesions is an option.
Among them, surgical resection is considered the most effective treatment because it not only removes the lesion but also provides samples for further testing.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to medical treatment, many patients choose to make lifestyle changes to help relieve pain. For example, regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep habits, and avoiding excessive stress may help improve symptoms.
These changes not only lead to better physical health, but also help improve patients' psychological resilience to stress.
Mental health support
As awareness of endometriosis increases, mental health support becomes more important. Many patients face psychological challenges due to the effects of the disease, so counseling and support groups can help them better cope with these challenges.
The necessity of society and education
In order to raise awareness of endometriosis, all sectors of society need to increase their efforts in education. Medical professionals need to better understand the pain signals sent by women and provide appropriate assessment and intervention as early as possible. In addition to medical care, family and friends should also be able to provide emotional support to patients and reduce their loneliness during this difficult time.
Although there are many treatments, it is still the responsibility of every stakeholder to understand the pain and hope that endometriosis brings to patients. As we search for effective pain relief options, it’s time to ask: What else can we do to support women affected by this disease?
