Emma from the UK experiences painful menstruation each time she has her period, which is different from others. Her pain is characterized by a tearing sensation in the lower right abdomen and groin area, and each episode of dysmenorrhea lasts for a very long time, about 15 days. Often, just a few days after one painful period ends, the next one arrives, bringing another bout of pain.

Over three years, Emma's menstrual pain became progressively more severe, but she always thought it was a normal physiological response and endured it. It wasn't until the pain worsened during her recent period and she was taken to the hospital by her family that she was diagnosed with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition where active endometrial cells implant and grow outside the uterine lining. Women with this condition typically experience symptoms like painful menstruation, abnormal periods, infertility, and pain during intercourse. Furthermore, the pain during menstruation tends to progressively worsen until it becomes unbearable for the patient.

Although endometriosis is a common condition, it is not easy to treat. Due to its invasive, spreading, and metastatic biological behavior, which is very similar to that of malignant tumors, and the fact that the causes and pathophysiology of the disease are still unclear in medical science, treating endometriosis is quite challenging, and there is no definitive cure. Clinically, treatment is decided based on the specific condition of the patient, whether to choose medication alone or a combination of surgery and medication.

Medication treatment is mainly for those with mild endometriosis or those who have a desire for childbirth. Treatment options include oral contraceptives, high-efficiency progestogens, gestrinone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

Surgery combined with medication treatment is mainly for those with severe conditions. Large lesions are surgically removed first, followed by long-term medication to control the condition and prevent recurrence. Generally, two types of drugs are used post-surgery: hormonal and non-hormonal medications. Hormonal drugs include contraceptives, progestogens, GnRH-a agonists, androgenic steroids, and GnRH antagonists, while non-hormonal drugs include aromatase inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors, antioxidants, antiangiogenic drugs, and immunomodulators.

Both treatment methods mentioned above require long-term medication. However, whether hormonal or non-hormonal, these drugs can be harmful to the patient's health. Long-term clinical observations have shown that prolonged use of hormonal drugs can change a patient's appearance, body shape, and mental state, and may lead to drug resistance. Meanwhile, long-term use of non-hormonal drugs can cause adverse reactions like stomach ulcers and ovulation suppression or lack guaranteed safety and effectiveness.

Given the numerous side effects and uncertainties associated with Western medicine, and the unique advantages and characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating gynecological diseases, many patients have turned to TCM for help. In fact, it has been proven that TCM can effectively treat endometriosis. 

TCM, such as Fuyan Pill, has shown good therapeutic effects in treating endometriosis. It alleviates symptoms without causing adverse effects on the body.

Finally, it is advised that women acquaint themselves with common gynecological diseases to avoid suffering unnecessarily due to ignorance, like Emma, and delaying treatment, which could lead to the worsening of the condition. Moreover, it is hoped that this article can be enlightening, helping individuals to approach endometriosis with more composure and confidence.

Recommended Readings:

Can You Still Be a Mom With Infertility In Advanced Age Combined With Severe Endometriosis?

Menstrual Cramps are Normal for Girls? Beware of Endometriosis

How Does Moxibustion Treat Endometriosis?