Endometriosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that is normally only in your uterus grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis causes tissue that should be shed during a monthly period to grow on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or other organs. Organs and tissue may stick together and cause inflammation and pain.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

• Hormones may help shrink endometrial tissue and decrease pain and inflammation. You may be given birth control pills, androgen hormones, or medicine that makes your body produce less of certain hormones.
• Pain medicine helps decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• A vaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of your uterus and ovaries on a monitor. An ultrasound may be done to show endometriosis.
• An MRI may show the endometriosis. You may be given contrast liquid to help your abdomen show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal.

Treatment:

Surgery may be done to remove endometrial tissue that is growing in the wrong place. You may need to have some or all of your female organs removed to stop your symptoms.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Lupron Depot
• norethindrone
• Orilissa
• Zoladex
• Provera

View more treatment options

RISKS:

Surgery to treat endometriosis may cause bleeding or an infection. If endometriosis is not treated, you may have difficulty getting pregnant. Pain may cause you to miss work or school.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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