Medications

Sex is not enjoyable if you are in pain but sex that is painful is a common symptom of endometriosis. Medications are not a cure for endometriosis, but they may help manage some of your symptoms such as painful sex.

Hormonal Birth Control

Birth control pills are often the first thing your health care provider will recommend for managing endometriosis symptoms.  They may help control symptoms by suppressing your menstrual cycle.

Progestins

Your health care provider might recommend progestins, which can come in pill form or through an IUD (intrauterine device) which is a device that is placed in your uterus. They also suppress your menstrual cycle.

Pain Medication

There are many over the counter and prescription pain medications that may help to temporarily manage your pain. They should be taken under the supervision of your doctor.

GnRH Antagonists/Agonists

These drugs work by lowering your estrogen levels and also suppressing your menstrual cycle. GnRH Agonists and high doses of GnRH Antagonists can put your body into temporary menopause.

Choosing the right medication for you can be a long journey.  It is a very personal decision that should take into account your symptoms, whether or not you want to get pregnant and the impact of any side effects on your quality of life.  

Chronic pain is complex, so you may also want to consider surgeryphysiotherapy or mental health supports in addition to, or instead of medication.

Click on the these links to find your country’s guidelines for managing pain related to endometriosis.

Speak to your health care provider before taking any medication. Your health care provider will prescribe the medication that best fits your needs.