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Pain management
The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. There are various options available to help relieve this.
Heat and comfort – A hot water bottle or hot bath may help to ease pain. Being comfortable and reducing stress will also be beneficial.
Painkillers: Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory-Drugs (NSAIDs) Drugs such as Ibuprofen, Voltarol and Ponstan (mefanemic acid). These drugs block the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins occur naturally, in response to injury or disease, and cause pain and inflammation. They have a number of functions including making the womb contract during a period (which helps with the shedding of the womb lining). These contractions can cause pain. It is thought that women with endometriosis may produce more prostaglandins than women without the condition.
NSAIDs only work effectively if they are taken before the body produces prostaglandins. Many people take NSAIDs as they would other painkillers such as paracetamol. It is best to start taking NSAIDs the day before, or several days before, a period or pain is expected. Common side effects of NSAIDs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach upsets and stomach ulcers. These side effects can be reduced by taking the drugs with food or milk.
Codeine-based painkillers (eg. co-codamol) are effective painkillers but they can cause constipation and gastro-intestinal upset, which may aggravate symptoms in women with endometriosis.
Simple analgesics such as paracetamol can be used to treat mild pain.
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