Nonsurgical Endometriosis Treatments

Not every woman with endometriosis or adenomyosis will need surgery for symptom relief. At Newton-Wellesley Hospital, we take the time to get to know you and understand your symptoms and your treatment goals. We will then develop a personalized treatment plan specifically for you.

We will develop your plan based on a number of factors, including your:

• Overall health and medical history
• Current symptoms
• Extent of your endometriosis
• Tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations
• Opinion or preference
• Desire for pregnancy

Types of Nonsurgical Treatments

If your symptoms are mild, our suggested treatment may consist of over-the-counter pain medication each month. We also may suggest “watchful waiting,” in which we regularly assess how you are feeling and how your endometriosis or adenomyosis is progressing.

Medication to treat endometriosis includes:

• Oral contraceptives (birth-control pills), with combined estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) hormones, to prevent ovulation and reduce or stop your menstrual flow
• Progesterone alone, either orally, by injection, by implant, or with the Mirena IUD
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist), which stops ovarian hormone production, creating a temporary “medical menopause”
• Danazol, a synthetic derivative of testosterone

Sometimes a combination of therapies is used, such as minimally invasive surgery along with medication. Learn more about endometriosis surgery.

There also are things you can do at home to help ease the pain.

If you have any questions about Endometriosis or Adenomyosis or would like to make an appointment, please contact us at 617-831-7525.