Endometriosis is a chronic disease that can cause:
- Severe pelvic pain
- Painful sex
- Infertility
- A reduced quality of life
Although endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions, women often struggle to get a diagnosis.
6 years = average time for women to get diagnosed
3 out of 5 women saw 3+ healthcare providers before getting diagnosed
The earlier the diagnosis, the better women can manage their disease.
To ease pain, women can start with medication, which can:
Decrease pain
Reduce inflammation
Stop hormone production
Reduce or stop menstruation
Medications for Endometriosis
|
FDA-approved for endometriosis |
Treats pain |
Treats disease |
Other 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 endometrium; stops period |
|
Aromatase Inhibitors |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Decreases estrogen production, which decreases growth and number of lesions; used with progesterone; questions about safety and efficacy |
|
Progestins (oral) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Progestins (implants/injectables) |
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 |
Shrinks lesions and treats pain, including pain during sex |
If the treatment you’re using doesn’t improve your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about changing medication or 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
- Lysis of adhesion: Cuts out 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 the ovaries
Managing Symptoms
There is no cure for endometriosis, but you can manage both the symptoms and the disease with the right treatments. It’s important to talk to your HCP to find a treatment that works for you.
This educational resource was created with support from Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.