Read up on Endometriosis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Endometriosis

Key points about treatments

If you have endometriosis, the tissue that normally lines your womb is growing in other places outside the womb such as your ovaries and part of your bowel. It can be painful and it makes some women feel sick. It can also make it harder for you to get pregnant.

There isn't a cure for endometriosis. But if the illness is causing you pain, there are good treatments that can help. And if you're having problems getting pregnant (infertility), there are also treatments that can help.

Key points for women who have pain

If you have painful periods, you could try painkillers or other simple treatments first.
If you don't want to get pregnant, birth control pills may be the best choice of treatment. They can stop the endometriosis from growing and relieve the pain. You can also take them as long as you want.
A hormone treatment called medroxyprogesterone works well for pain. You can take it as pills or as an injection.
Other hormone treatments such as danazol, goserelin and nafarelin also work but they have unpleasant side effects.
Surgery to remove your endometriosis is also likely to help relieve pain. Having hormone treatment afterward may keep it from growing back.
The pain can come back, whatever treatment you have.
Tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. Some treatments for pain can stop you from getting pregnant.

This information was last updated on Nov 06, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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