List of Treatments for Endometriosis

Acupuncture

Overview
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. Some women with endometriosis have utilized acupuncture to relieve pain… read more

Aygestin (Norethindrone)

Overview
Aygestin is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1973 to prevent pregnancy. Aygestin is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Aygestin may be… read more

Aygestin, Errin, Primolut N (Norethisterone)

Overview
Norethisterone is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1973 to prevent pregnancy. Norethisterone is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis.… read more

Birth Control

Overview
There are many forms of prescription birth control that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy. Many of these forms, including the combination birth control pill,… read more

Cataflam (Diclofenac)

Overview
Cataflam is a prescription medication that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988 to treat mild to moderate pain associated with menstruation. It is also known by its drug name,… read more

Celexa (Citalopram hydrobromide)

Overview
Celexa is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Celexa is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Celexa is also referred to… read more

Chiropractic treatment

Overview
Chiropractic is a health treatment that aims to correct problems with the muscles, nerves, and skeletal system. Some women try chiropractic treatment for pain, heavy bleeding, and discomfort caused by… read more

Codeine

Overview
Codeine is available over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on the state in which you live and the strength of the formulation. Codeine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to… read more

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Overview
Cymbalta is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and chronic pain conditions including fibromyalgia.… read more

Danocrine (Danazol)

Overview
Danocrine is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1976 to treat endometriosis. Danocrine is not considered a first-line treatment for endometriosis due to its… read more

Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone)

Overview
Depo-Provera is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis.… read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline hydrochloride)

Overview
Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of depression. Elavil is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Elavil is also… read more

Electrocoagulation

Overview
Electrocoagulation is one technique used to destroy endometrial implants during excision surgery. The other techniques frequently used for excision are simple excision with a blade and electrosurgery.

What… read more

Electrosurgery

Overview
Electrosurgery is one technique used to cut away endometrial implants during excision surgery. The other techniques frequently used for excision are simple excision with a blade and electrocoagulation.

What… read more

Elestrin (Estradiol)

Overview
Elestrin is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1954 to treat menopause symptoms. In cases of endometriosis, Elestrin is prescribed to reduce menopause-like side… read more

Endometrial ablation

Overview
Menorrhagia, or excessive bleeding during menstruation, is a common symptom of endometriosis. Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, to treat menorrhagia.… read more

Errin (Norethindrone)

Overview
Errin is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1973 to prevent pregnancy. Errin is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Errin may be referred to… read more

Estrace (Estradiol)

Overview
Estrace is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984 to treat menopause symptoms. In cases of endometriosis, Estrace is prescribed to reduce menopause-like side… read more

Excision

Overview
Excision is surgery to cut away endometrial implants. Excision is considered conservative surgery because you retain all of your organs and function, unlike a radical surgery such as hysterectomy. Excision can… read more

Heating pad

Overview
A heating pad can provide comfort and relief from cramps and pain caused by endometriosis.

What does it involve?
A heating pad is an inexpensive and portable way to obtain some relief from the pain and… read more

Hysterectomy

Overview

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. In cases where a hysterectomy is being performed to treat endometriosis, oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) and excision of lesions are usually performed too.… read more

Ibuprofen

Overview
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is sold under the brand names Motrin and Advil. Stronger doses of Ibuprofen are available by prescription. Ibuprofen… read more

Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA)

Overview
Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) is a surgery to cut the nerves that connect the uterus to the brain to relieve pain associated with endometriosis. LUNA may also be referred to as uterine nerve… read more

Laparoscopy

Overview
Laparoscopy is the technique most frequently used in surgeries for endometriosis, including diagnostic surgery and excision. Laparoscopy is designed to be minimally invasive and allow for a speedy recovery.… read more

Laparotomy

Overview
Laparotomy is a surgical technique used in cases of severe or extensive endometriosis. Laparotomy is used only when laparoscopy will not provide sufficient access.

What does it involve?
A laparotomy is a… read more

Lexapro (Escitalopram oxalate)

Overview
Lexapro is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in people older than 12 years as well as generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Lexapro is sometimes… read more

Lupron (Leuprorelin acetate for depot suspension)

Overview
Lupron Depot is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain and reduce lesions caused by endometriosis. Lupron Depot may be referred to by its drug name, leuprolide… read more

Mirena (Levonorgestrel)

Overview
Mirena is an intrauterine implant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1990 to prevent pregnancy and treat heavy menstrual periods. Mirena is also prescribed to treat symptoms of… read more

Morphine

Overview
Morphine is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain that is not responsive to non-narcotics. Morphine is sold under brand names including Astramorph and Avinza.… read more

Nexplanon (Etonogestrel)

Overview
Nexplanon is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy. Nexplanon is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Nexplanon is also… read more

Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Norco is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Norco is a combination drug containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen.… read more

Norethindrone (Norethisterone)

Overview
Norethisterone is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1973 to prevent pregnancy. Norethisterone is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis.… read more

Oophorectomy

Overview
Oophorectomy is surgery to remove the ovaries. Oophorectomy may be unilateral (one ovary removed) or bilateral (both ovaries removed). Oophorectomy may also be referred to as an ovariectomy. If the fallopian… read more

Orilissa (Elagolix)

Overview
Orilissa is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe pain caused by endometriosis. Orilissa may be referred to by its drug name, elagolix.… read more

Paxil (Paroxetine)

Overview
Paxil is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder,… read more

Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Percocet is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percocet is a combination drug composed of oxycodone and acetaminophen.… read more

Physical therapy

Overview
Endometriosis causes changes to the pelvic cavity that can contribute to pain, swelling, and bloating. Physical therapy focused on improving the condition of the pelvic floor can help improve some endometriosis… read more

Presacral neurectomy

Overview
Presacral neurectomy is a surgery to cut or interrupt the nerves that connect the uterus to the brain to relieve pain associated with endometriosis.

What does it involve?
Take time choosing your surgeon… read more

Prometrium (Progesterone)

Overview
Prometrium is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and secondary amenorrhea. Prometrium is also prescribed to treat… read more

Provera (Medroxyprogesterone)

Overview
Provera is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959. Provera is prescribed to prevent pregnancy and treat symptoms of endometriosis. Provera may be referred… read more

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Overview
Prozac is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Prozac is sometimes… read more

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Overview

For thousands of years, people have known that electrical stimulation can provide pain relief. A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device is a small, portable machine that generates… read more

Tylenol (Acetaminophen, Paracetamol)

Overview
Tylenol is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and fever. Tylenol is also known by the drug names Acetaminophen and Paracetamol.

Tylenol should be used with caution by people who have a… read more

Ultram (Tramadol)

Overview
Ultram is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Ultram is also known by its drug name, tramadol.

Ultram is an… read more

Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Vicodin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid, and for which other treatments are ineffective. Vicodin is a combination… read more

Wellbutrin (Bupropion hydrochloride)

Overview
Wellbutrin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder. Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat endometriosis. Wellbutrin is… read more

Yoga

Overview
Yoga is an ancient system of movement, breathing, and meditation developed in India. The right yoga class can provide many benefits for women with endometriosis.

What does it involve?
Yoga consists of… read more

Zoloft (Sertraline)

Overview
Zoloft is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social… read more