Treatment of endometriosis includes:
- Pain medications. Drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve some of the discomfort of endometriosis.
- Birth control pills. The pill prevents the monthly buildup of endometrial tissue on the ovaries and anywhere else the endometriosis may be in the abdomen and pelvis. This makes periods lighter and reduces the symptoms of endometriosis.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists). These drugs reduce the amount of the hormone estrogen in the body. By slowing the growth of endometriosis, they limit its symptoms.
- Laparoscopy and laparotomy. These are surgical procedures that let the doctor remove endometriosis on the ovaries and other places. If the endometriosis is extensive, the doctor may recommend a hysterectomy. This procedure removes the uterus and sometimes also the ovaries and fallopian tubes.