What is the first treatment for endometriosis?

Endometriosis can cause period pain, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or bowel and bladder symptoms. Anti-inflammatory therapy for period pain may reduce pain by calming inflammation, especially when taken as directed early in a period. Hormone treatment can reduce the cycle-related stimulation of endometriosis tissue and may make periods lighter or less frequent.

A combined pill or hormonal coil may be suitable for some people. The choice depends on medical history, bleeding pattern, side effects, contraception needs, and whether you are trying to become pregnant. These treatments manage symptoms but do not suit every person.

Discuss pain timing, bowel or bladder symptoms, bleeding, previous treatments, and pregnancy plans at an appointment. Keep a symptom diary so you can show how pain affects sleep, work, exercise, and sex. If first treatment does not control symptoms, a clinician may consider GnRH analogue therapy, specialist surgery, or another approach.

Arrange medical review for pain that repeatedly disrupts daily life, pain with sex, difficulty conceiving, or bleeding between periods. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, faintness, fever, or heavy bleeding. Severe symptoms need assessment and should not be explained away by a suspected diagnosis alone.

Which pain medicine is suitable for me, would a combined pill or hormonal coil fit my plans, and how long should I try it? What is the next option if symptoms continue, and could treatment affect fertility plans?