Endometriosis pain and acupuncture

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common cause of pain in the pelvic region in women. Endometriosis pain has often been considered to be a homogeneous condition. However, multiple mechanisms have been shown to contribute making it a therapeutic challenge. Many of the current medical treatments for it include oral drugs like non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, contraceptives, progestogens, androgenic agents, gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogues, as well as laparoscopic surgical excision of the endometriosis lesions. In many patients these treatments are insufficient or associated with side-effects. Three studies have described the application of different needle stimulation techniques (acupuncture) and the results suggest that acupuncture may be a valuable treatment option to some.