There may be treatment options to help the pain

Though there is no known cure for endometriosis, there are treatment options available


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When you talk to your gynecologist about finding a treatment that works for you, be specific about your symptoms. This can lead to a better understanding of your unique situation, which is helpful in creating a treatment plan.


Do you know what treatment options are available?

Discover a treatment option for moderate to severe endometriosis pain. Learn more and ask your doctor if it could be right for you.


Learn what each endometriosis treatment option does to help reduce pain

Painkillers:

Both prescription and over-the-counter painkillers can decrease inflammation and may help with endometriosis-associated pain.

Hormonal birth control:

Hormonal birth control can prevent estrogen fluctuation, which may reduce endometriosis-associated pain during the period. Hormonal birth control can be used in several ways. Some include:

  • Birth control pills (includes estrogen/progestin pills and progestin-only pills)
  • Hormonal IUDs (intrauterine devices)
  • Progestin injection
  • Implants

Laparoscopy (LAP-uh-RAHSK-uh-pee):

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that can be used to diagnose endometriosis and remove lesions, which can relieve endometriosis pain. If you are considering a laparoscopy, ask your doctor about the different methods, including:

  • Ablation – a procedure that destroys (ablates) the surface of endometriosis lesions
  • Excision – a procedure that cuts out (excises) endometriosis lesions

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRh) antagonist medications:

Taken as either a pill or an injection, these medications block GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This leads to the body producing less estrogen. Lower estrogen levels can help relieve endometriosis pain.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist medications:

Usually taken as an injection or nasal spray, these medications stimulate GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Over time, this makes the receptors less sensitive, causing the body to produce less estrogen. Lower estrogen levels can help relieve endometriosis pain.

Hysterectomy (HISS-ter-REKT-uh-mee):

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (and sometimes one or both ovaries), which can relieve pain. A hysterectomy is generally viewed as a last-resort treatment because of its complexity and irreversibility.



When considering your treatment options, talk to your gynecologist about what’s best. And don’t be afraid to get a second opinion!

In addition to prescribed endometriosis treatment, many women use heating pads, and even certain foods and exercises, to help ease symptoms.


Learn how to SpeakENDO to your gynecologist with this interactive resource


How to prepare for your appointment


Up next: Living with endometriosis
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