Endometriosis is a condition where tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. While there isn’t a way to prevent endometriosis from occurring, certain methods of hormonal birth control can help to decrease symptoms.
Birth control works to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, which is what causes the growth of endometrial tissue. It can take up to 3–6 months for you to begin to see a positive effect on symptoms such as:
period pain
heavy menstrual bleeding
pelvic pain
It can also prevent the progression of endometriosis by slowing the growth of endometriosis lesions.
While there’s no cure for the condition, hormonal birth control treatments such as contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), and implants can instead help to ease symptoms of endometriosis.
What types of birth control are best for endometriosis?
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There are many methods of birth control available to help with symptoms of endometriosis. What works best for you will depend on factors such as:
the severity of your symptoms
your age
how far the condition has progressed
if you have fertility issues or may wish to have children
Types of birth control that can help with endometriosis include:
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Contraceptive pills are available in two forms: progestin-only pills and combined contraceptive pills.
Progestin-only pills (also known as minipills) are contraceptives without estrogen that can help to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
Combined hormonal contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin. They can help relieve symptoms by stopping ovulation and preventing heavy and painful periods.
A 2019 systematic review found that hormonal contraception helped symptoms of pain associated with endometriosis.
Dasetta is a combination hormone medication used to prevent pregnancy. It can help to decrease symptoms of endometriosis, such as pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
It is important to remember to take Dasetta at the same time every day.
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Contraceptive implants
Contraceptive implants are placed under the skin and release the hormone progesterone into your bloodstream. Over time they can work to thin the lining of the uterus, stop your period, and prevent pregnancy. This helps prevent new lesions from forming.
Contraceptive implants like Nexplanon can be useful if you think you may forget to take a birth control pill at the same time every day.
Nexplanon is a matchstick-sized rod and is placed under the skin of your nondominant upper arm.
The implant releases a progestin hormone called etonogestrel into the bloodstream, which thickens the cervical mucus and changes the lining of your uterus. Nexplanon will work to stop you from ovulating and menstruating.
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IUDs are tiny, often T-shaped devices placed into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.
They come in two forms: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. A doctor would not recommend a copper IUD to treat endometriosis, as it has no hormonal properties.
IUDs can effectively reduce the size of endometriosis lesions and your menstrual flow (or stop it completely). They can help prevent the growth of new tissue and decrease levels of inflammation and pain.
Risks of taking hormonal birth control
Using hormonal birth control to treat symptoms of endometriosis can also come with risks, such as hormonal side effects. It’s important to discuss this with a healthcare professional before beginning use.
Risks of taking hormonal birth control can include:
mood changes
acne
breast tenderness
irregular bleeding, such as spotting or prolonged bleeding
headaches
A 2015 review has shown that these hormonal side effects can decrease over time.
What treatments are available for endometriosis?
In addition to birth control, there are several other options available to treat endometriosis.
During this treatment, a surgeon will make a small incision to examine the inside of your abdomen, which allows them to locate and remove the tissue.
GnRH medications
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists prevent the ovaries from creating estrogen, which in turn slows down the development of endometriosis.
They are available in several different forms, such as:
daily injections
monthly injections
three monthly injections
nasal sprays
It is important to note that due to lower estrogen levels in the body, GnRH medications can bring on symptoms of menopause.
GnRH medications can take as little as 2 months to take effect and begin to improve symptoms.
Danazol
Danazol is a synthetic steroid similar to testosterone, a male reproductive hormone. It works by decreasing the production of estrogen and leads to improved levels of pelvic pain and reduced endometrial lesion growth.
It’s important not to take Danazol if you are pregnant or think you may become pregnant, as it could harm the fetus.
It should also not be used while breastfeeding or chestfeeding, as small amounts of Danazol can pass through into breast milk.
Pain medication
A doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to see if they will help reduce pain and inflammation. You can buy these over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores.
Summary
The use of hormonal birth control can help to manage symptoms of endometriosis by decreasing levels of estrogen and preventing the growth of tissue outside the uterus. This can help reduce symptoms of pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
While there isn’t a cure for endometriosis, there are many options available to manage the condition, such as:
birth control
surgery
hormonal implants
These treatments allow people to find the method most suited to them. A doctor or another healthcare professional can help you to identify your best options.
