There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatment can help alleviate symptoms.
Endometriosis is a painful condition that can also harm a woman's ability to become pregnant.
Treatments for endometriosis fall into one of two categories: those that address pain, and those that address infertility.
Not every treatment works well for all women with endometriosis. For some women, symptoms may return after treatment.
Pain Medications for Endometriosis
If you have pain from endometriosis, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever, depending on the severity of your pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain associated with menstrual periods.
Your doctor may recommend that you start taking these drugs a day or two before the start of your period.
Most NSAIDs are available without a prescription, but your doctor can prescribe a higher dose if needed.
Common NSAIDs include Aleve (naproxen) and Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen).
If NSAIDs alone don't relieve your endometriosis pain, your doctor may recommend adding another treatment, such as hormonal birth control pills.
Hormone Therapy for Endometriosis
Hormone therapy works best in women who have endometriosis pain related to painful or heavy menstrual periods.
Hormone treatments stop the ovaries from producing certain hormones (they may also prevent ovulation).
These can make your period lighter, shorter, and more regular.
Another option is taking a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist.
GnRH agonists help reduce pelvic pain by blocking the menstrual cycle and lowering the amount of estrogen in your body.
Hormonal therapy for endometriosis can come in the form of:
Birth control pills
Injections
Implantable devices
Skin patches
Vaginal rings
Nasal sprays
Your doctor may recommend continuous use of birth control pills (skipping the inactive pills in the package) for three months or longer to help control endometriosis symptoms.
Some women experience mild side effects when taking birth control pills, especially when just starting the treatment.
Side effects may include:
Bloating and weight gain
Bleeding or spotting between periods
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Surgery for Endometriosis
Surgery to remove endometrial tissue and scar tissue may be an option for women who:
Have severe pain related to endometriosis
Have pain that won't go away after trying medications or hormone therapy
Have a growth or mass in the pelvic area
Are having trouble getting pregnant due to endometriosis
Your doctor may suggest one of the following surgical procedures to help reduce or eliminate endometriosis symptoms:
Laparoscopy: This is the most common type of endometriosis surgery.
In this minor procedure, your doctor will make a few small cuts in the abdomen and pelvis to insert a viewing device (called a laparoscope) and other small surgical instruments used to remove endometrial tissue.
Laparotomy: This is a major surgery that's usually performed only after trying all other treatment options. It involves cutting a large incision in the abdomen.
In a laparotomy, your doctor will most likely remove endometrial and scar tissue.
The ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus — if they are severely damaged — may also be removed.
Most women with endometriosis experience pain relief after surgery, but in some women, the pain returns eventually.
Treating Infertility
As many as 30 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis have difficulty becoming pregnant, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
If you have fertility problems related to endometriosis, several treatment options may help. These include:
Surgery to remove endometriosis
Fertility medicines
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
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