Can endometriosis be cured?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the tissues of the pelvis and sometimes further afield. Endometriosis is a chronic condition: in many women it lasts for years, from the first period to menopause.

Can endometriosis be “cured”?

At present there is no treatment that guarantees a complete and permanent cure for endometriosis.

There are, however, many effective ways of treating and managing the condition that can substantially ease symptoms, improve quality of life and, in some women, make pregnancy possible or cause symptoms to subside.

Treatment is always tailored to the individual and depends on age, the severity of symptoms, how widespread the disease is and plans for having children. The most common approaches are:

1. Medication

Hormonal treatment aims to reduce or halt the growth of endometriotic lesions and to ease pain. It includes oral contraceptives, progestins and other hormonal preparations. It does not remove the disease, but it keeps symptoms under control.

2. Surgery

Surgical treatment is considered where symptoms are pronounced, where there are complications, or where there is a problem with fertility. The aim is to remove endometriotic lesions while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

3. A combined approach

In most patients the best results come from combining surgery and medication, with long-term follow-up.

The most important thing is not to delay an examination: early diagnosis and an early treatment plan give the best chance of keeping the disease under control.