Birth Control Pills and Endometriosis: Do They Provide Relief?

According to Women's Health, endometriosis is small deposits of the womb lining (endometrium) that are located outside of the womb cavity. Treatment of endometriosis with a birth control pill can improve symptoms such as painful periods, hurtful intercourse and pelvic pain.

Function

• Young Women's Health says "the oral contraceptive pills work by temporarily turning off your ovaries." Birth control pills prevent ovulation.

Theories/Speculation

• Women have used birth control pills to manage their endometriosis for years, but only one study exploring the effectiveness exists. Women's Health reports this study found pain improvement.

Warning

• Women's Health warns that breakthrough spotting is common if patients use birth control pills continuously. To correct this, take a seven-day break at the end of six to 12 months. "Your doctor might prescribe some additional oestrogen for a week, which helps to refresh the lining of the womb."

Expert Insight

• Women's Health states that many gynecologists suggest taking the birth control pill continuously. No bodily harm is known and the uterus lining stays thin.

Identification

• Birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone, both hormones. They are taken in a cyclical way.

Potential

• Young Women's Health says that there is no known cure for endometriosis. But with the correct birth control pill, many women experience relief.