Bottom Line
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition affecting women of childbearing age. It can be diagnosed in the office on an outpatient basis and often responds to simple medical treatment. First-line therapy is NSAIDs and oral contraceptives. The oral contraceptives can be given as a continuous therapy. If the patient fails conservative medical management, then one can choose to perform a laparoscopy or try further medical management. Surgery may be considered when a woman has endometriosis-induced infertility.
Management of pain and control of symptoms will benefit patients by increasing quality of life and preserving future fertility.
Reference:
• Management of Endometriosis: ACOG Practice Bulletin. (Obstet. Gynecol. 2010;116:223-36).
This column, "Clinical Guidelines for Family Physicians," regularly appears in Family Practice News, an Elsevier publication. Dr. Skolnik is an associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital. Dr. Thuener is a first-year resident in the family medicine residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. E-mail them.