It is important to remember that the decision regarding which treatment you will have is often difficult. Therefore, allow yourself enough time to explore all the options and make the decision that is right for you.

Unfortunately, none of the treatment, so far is a cure for endometriosis. Hormonal and surgical treatments have much the same success rates and neither treatment has shown itself to be significantly better than the other despite years of experience and research. Overall, both results in up to 80 - 90% of women experiencing complete or painful relief from their symptoms.

Regardless of the treatment used some women will have a recurrence of their endometriosis. Approximately 20% of women will have a recurrence within twelve months and as many as 50% within five years.

Many women are told that pregnancy seldom 'cures' endometriosis and the effects of pegnancy varies widely. In the majority of women pregnancy leads to an improvement or a disappearance of the disease, particularly during the latter months of pregnancy. However, the beneficial effects are usually only temporary and many women will experience a recurrence of their disease within a few years.

The main options available for the management of endometriosis are:

* 'Wait-and-see' approach.

* Symptomatic management.

* Hormonal treatment

* Surgical treatment.

* Combined treatment.

* Natural therapies.