The approach that you and your doctor choose will depend on factors such as the severity of your symptoms, the extent of the endometriotic deposits and whether you hope to become pregnant.
Conservative management involves treatment of pain using analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Hormone treatment aims to slow down the growth and progression of endometriotic deposits. These include oral contraceptive pills and progestins such as dienogest. These medicines typically need to be taken long-term, as stopping them may lead to recurrence of symptoms.
Surgery is often required in patients with significant pain and/or infertility, and allows for the excision of endometriotic cysts and deposits. It is typically performed laparoscopically, though traditional abdominal surgery may be performed for patients with more severe cases. Medical treatment may be recommended by your doctor after surgery to prevent the growth of new areas of endometriosis.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is available in Singapore General Hospital, along with traditional laparoscopy and abdominal surgery methods. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the approach most suitable for your condition.
