O-155 What strategies help patients cope with endometriosis in everyday life: a doctor's perspective

Abstract

Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease characterized by chronic pain and infertility and associated with a diminished quality of life.  While surgery, pain medications and hormonal treatments are the mainstays of treating endometriosis, patients are increasing seeking complementary therapies to help them cope with their symptoms in everyday life. Too often, clinicians caring for women with endometriosis are at a loss when it comes to discussing or recommending such alternative therapies, as they are not part of typical western medical training.  This lecture will review the evidence behind –or lack thereof—for many commonly sought therapies for endometriosis to enable physicians and clinicians to better counsel their patients.  Topics to be addressed include: is there any benefit to special diets for endometriosis and endometriosis-associated pain? ; is there a role for physical activity or specific exercises in improving symptoms?;  are yoga and meditation effective in helping women cope with endometriosis? ; are there specific phytotherapies that improve symptoms? ; has acupuncture been shown to help women cope with endometriosis symptoms? ; are there complementary therapies that improve fertility?In addition, based on clinical experience in treating with women with endometriosis, the importance of setting shared goals and expectations for treatment and supporting patients in their plans for attempting pregnancy and fulfilling the wish for a child will be discussed.