Non-pharmacological approach to pain in endometriosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Endometriosis is a gynecological condition primarily characterized by chronic pain and infertility. To treat endometriosis-induced pain, the focus is still based on conventional approaches. However, non-pharmacological therapies are new options, but there is still no consensus about the use of such therapies as effective resource for pain control. In light of the above, this study aimed at contributing to the knowledge in this area and at analyzing the literature about the application of such techniques to treat endometriosis pain. CONTENTS: Pubmed database was queried, without period restriction, using the word endometriosis crossed with acupuncture, massage, Pilates and cognitive behavioral therapy. Electronic query has identified 61 scientific studies and, according to preestablished inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven were selected for reading. Three of them have used acupuncture, two have used massage and two cognitive behavioral therapy to relieve endometriosis pain. Pilates method was not applied to control endometriosis pain. All studies have shown effectiveness of the techniques used to improve endometriosis chronic pain. CONCLUSION: It was clear that knowledge about this subject is scarce, suggesting the need for additional studies. Also, such options should be incorporated to traditional approaches offered to patients with endometriosis for having low cost, few adverse effects and for presenting satisfactory results for pain relief.

Endometriosis-Associated Symptoms and Diagnostic Delay: An Online Survey

“…To treat endometriosis, conventional of medical and surgical approaches are dominated, however there are some non-pharmacological therapies including complementary and alternative medicine [36,37]. In the present study, analgesia, hormone therapy, and surgery were among the majority of treatment modalities reported by patients but no statistically signi cant difference between Australian and non-Australian women was found.…”

“…In the present study, analgesia, hormone therapy, and surgery were among the majority of treatment modalities reported by patients but no statistically signi cant difference between Australian and non-Australian women was found. Long-term use of painkillers and hormone medication is risky due to the potential side effects and the high probability of recurrence [37]. Surgery is also more invasive and expensive in comparison to other treatments, carries risk of complications, and may be effective only temporarily [38].…”

Endometriosis and psychological interventions

“…Such a review resulted in little literature addressing these forms of treatment for endometriosis, with seven articles retrieved from a total of 61. 18 Other articles retrieved in the present study carried out a search in the literature on endometriosis and life quality. Both identified reduced life quality in this population, with decrease in physical, social and mental well-being, as well as high levels of depression and anxiety.…”

Os Impactos da Endometriose na qualidade de vida e fertilidade

“…Há uma necessidade urgente de maior conscientização sobre a endometriose e treinamento de profissionais de saúde para o reconhecimento precoce da condição. Além disso, é fundamental abordar as implicações sociais e emocionais da endometriose nas pacientes, proporcionando apoio psicológico e social(SILVA et al, 2021).A abordagem convencional de tratamento da endometriose envolve terapias hormonais ou procedimentos cirúrgicos, no entanto, novas alternativas terapêuticas baseadas em intervenções não farmacológicas estão emergindo(MARQUI, 2014).Pesquisadores propõem que a identificação dos tipos histológicos pode estar correlacionada com a experiência de dor das pacientes, o que, por sua vez, poderia ser empregado como uma abordagem para o desenvolvimento de medicamentos específicos, com o intuito de mitigar o desconforto e aprimorar a qualidade de vida.Observou-se que pacientes com diagnóstico de tipos glandulares bem diferenciados e estromais apresentaram uma resposta mais positiva ao tratamento cirúrgico, quando comparados com aqueles que tinham tipo GI(PORTO et al, 2015).O propósito do tratamento clínico consiste em aliviar a dor associada à endometriose e, simultaneamente, buscar prevenir ou retardar a progressão da doença.Não é viável padronizar o tratamento, portanto, é crucial adaptá-lo individualmente com base nos sintomas relatados, na intenção de engravidar ou não, e na capacidade de tolerar os efeitos colaterais decorrentes das alternativas farmacêuticas disponíveis. Em contrapartida, a intervenção cirúrgica tem a capacidade de restabelecer a anatomia e a fertilidade feminina.…”