Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can cause:
Although endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, women often have difficulty receiving a diagnosis.
6 years = average time to diagnosis in women
Three out of five women consulted at least three healthcare providers before diagnosis
The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better women can manage their disease.
To relieve pain, women can first take medications that:
Relieve pain
Reduce inflammation
Stop hormone production
Reduce or stop menstruation
Endometriosis medications
|
Approved by the FDA for endometriosis |
Treats pain |
Treats diseases |
More details |
|
|
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) |
NO |
Yes |
NO |
|
|
Combined oral contraceptives |
NO |
Yes |
NO |
Contains progesterone and estrogen |
|
Hormonal IUD |
NO |
Yes |
NO |
Thins the endometrium; stops the period |
|
aromatase inhibitors |
NO |
Yes |
Yes |
Decreases estrogen production, which reduces the growth and number of lesions; used together with progesterone; Questions about safety and effectiveness |
|
Gestagens (oral) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Progestogens (implants/injections) |
NO |
Yes |
NO |
|
|
Modified testosterone |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Decreases estradiol production; not often recommended |
|
GnRH agonist |
Yes |
Yes |
NO |
Injectable |
|
GnRH antagonist |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Reduces lesions and relieves pain, including during sex |
If the treatment you are using does not relieve your symptoms, talk to your doctor about changing medications or having surgery.
Surgical options for endometriosis
- Ablation: Uses extreme cold, heat, or high-energy radio frequencies to destroy the uterine lining and control heavy menstrual bleeding
- Excision: Cuts out lesions and visible areas of disease
- Adhesion solution: Dissolves adhesions (scar tissue)
- Presacral neurectomy: Removes the nerves (presacral plexus) that send pain signals from the uterus to the brain
- Hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy: Removes the uterus with or without ovaries
Dealing with symptoms
There is no cure for endometriosis, but you can manage both the symptoms and the disease with the right treatments. It is important to talk to your doctor to find a treatment that is right for you.
This educational resource was created with the support of Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
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