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Endometriosis
Endometriosis treatment available online today
Request treatment for endometriosis online from our trusted, board-certified doctors and find relief today. Get a new prescription to treat endometriosis or refill an existing prescription today.*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of Endometriosis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder that affects women. According to the Office on Women's Health, endometriosis affects more than 11% of women between age of 15 and 44 in the U.S.A, making it harder for the affected patient to conceive.
Endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus/womb, that builds up in the woman in preparation for pregnancy during each menstrual cycle. When the woman does not become pregnant, the endometrial tissue is shed and discharge from the body.
With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, typically on the:
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Outer surface of the uterus
Ligaments connected to the uterus
Even away from the uterus, these tissues continue to respond to hormones of the menstrual cycle. When it breaks down outside of the uterus, the blood is not properly discharged and trapped within the pelvis, causing inflammation and scarring of the surrounding tissues. When the ovaries are involved, ovarian cysts called endometriomas may form.Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder that affects women. According to Office on Women's Health, endometriosis affects more than 11% of women between age of 15 and 44 in the U.S.A, making it harder for the affected patient to conceive.
Endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus/womb, that builds up in the woman in preparation for pregnancy during each menstrual cycle. When the woman does not become pregnant, the endometrial tissue is shed and discharge from the body.
With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, typically on the:
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries
Outer surface of the uterus
Ligaments connected to the uterus
Even away from the uterus, these tissues continue to respond to hormones of the menstrual cycle. When it breaks down outside of the uterus, the blood is not properly discharged and trapped within the pelvis, causing inflammation and scarring of the surrounding tissues. When the ovaries are involved, ovarian cysts called endometriomas may form.
Stages of endometriosis
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, there are four stages of endometriosis:
Stage 1: Minimal endometriosis
Stage 2: Mild endometriosis
Stage 3: Moderate endometriosis
Stage 4: Severe endometriosis
These different stages of endometriosis reflect the amount, size, depth and location of the endometriosis tissue, and not necessarily the level of endometriosis pain experienced by the patient.
Endometriosis causes
According to the National Institutes of Health, the exact causes of endometriosis are unknown and currently an area of active research. Two potential theories currently under research are:
Retrograde menstruation: This is when endometriosis cells back up through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis during menstruation.
Coelomic metaplasia: This is when cells that line the organs in the pelvis mutate into endometrial tissue.
Certain factors seem to be related to endometriosis:Hormones: Estrogen seems to promote endometriosis.
Surgery: Endometrial tissue may be transferred to the abdominal wall during surgical treatment (i.e. C section).
Genetics: Endometriosis seems to be an inheritable trait that runs in families.
Endometriosis symptoms
A common primary symptom is endometriosis-associated pain. Symptoms of endometriosis can may include:
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic lower back pain
Painful periods
Painful urination or bowel movements during menstrual periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Abnormally heavy menstrual flow
Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation during menstrual periods
Infertility
How to treat endometriosis
There are several treatment options for treating the symptoms of endometriosis. Medical treatments can involve pain medications to relieve endometriosis-related pain or the use of hormone therapy. Non-medicinal treatment options can range from conservative surgery to more invasive types.
Surgery
Several surgical options may be explored depending on the severity of the endometriosis:
Laparoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove the endometrial tissue. A doctor will make a small incision in the abdomen and insert a laparoscope through the incision. With the help of the laparoscope, the doctor can see into the pelvic area and remove the endometrial growth without damaging the healthy tissue.
Laparotomy: This is a more invasive surgical treatment of endometriosis that involves a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity to remove the endometrial tissue.
Hysterectomy: This is complete removal of the uterus and ovaries.
Endometriosis medication
Medications can be taken for the treatment of endometriosis symptoms.
Pain relief
Pain medication can be taken to relieve endometriosis related pain (e.g. pelvic pain). Over the counter pain relievers include: ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Hormone therapy
Contraceptives: Birth control pills or patches can help regulate hormones resulting in lighter and shorter menstrual flow, which can help reduce endometriosis associated pain.
Progestin: Progestin can stop periods and the growth of endometrial implants, relieving endometriosis pain.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist: This can be taken to stop ovarian hormone production and the growth of endometrial cells, relieving endometriosis pain.
Note that some patients experienced return of endometriosis symptoms after stopping hormone therapy.
How to prevent endometriosis
According to the Office on Women's Health, lowering levels of estrogen in the body can help reduce the probability of developing endometriosis. Estrogen is a hormone produced that signals to the body to thicken the uterus lining. The following methods can help lower estrogen levels in the body:
Regular exercise: This can help lower estrogen levels
Avoid high alcohol intake: Alcohol tends to increase estrogen levels
Avoid high caffeine intake: High caffeine intake can increase estrogen levels.
Hormone treatments: Birth control pills can help.
When to see a doctor for endometriosis
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis or severe pain, you should speak to one of our doctors to get a professional diagnosis as soon as possible.
The doctor can utilize different methods to diagnose endometriosis:
Pelvic exam
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Laparoscopy
Ultrasound
With a formal diagnosis, you and the doctor can then begin to discuss treatment of endometriosis.
Endometriosis treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for endometriosis?
Endometriosis treatment can consist of medication or surgery or both. The best treatment is dependent on the stage of the endometriosis. For some, hormone therapy and pain relief medications are enough to reduce endometriosis associated pain. For cases where fertility is a concern, surgeries are needed to remove the endometrial tissues.
What is the best medication for endometriosis?
The best medication is dependent on the severity of the endometriosis. Over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken for pain relief. For more severe pain, hormone treatments can be initiated. Hormone therapies include contraceptives, progestin, and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist.
What does endometriosis feel like?
Many female patients describe endometriosis pain as intense, sharp, and stabbing pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. The pain typically starts a few days before the period, lasting for several days.
Can you get pregnant with endometriosis?
Yes, it is still possible to get pregnant with endometriosis.
Is endometriosis genetic?
Endometriosis seems to be an inheritable trait that runs in families, so genetics do seem to be one of the risk factors.
Can endometriosis kill you?
No, endometriosis is not a fatal condition (even at stage 4). However, the pain can be unbearable and degrade quality of life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis or severe pain, you should speak to one of our doctors to get a professional diagnosis and discuss treatment options as soon as possible.
3 simple steps to request an endometriosis consultation
Step 1
Book an endometriosis consultation appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your endometriosis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
If prescribed, pick up a prescription for endometriosis treatment.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy and order tests to the lab nearest you.
Related conditions to endometriosis
Fibroids
Fibroids are smooth muscle tumors that grow in the uterus. Fibroids are typically noncancerous. Fibroids and endometriosis can both reduce fertility in female. A study in 2011 suggest that symptomatic endometriosis tends to appear together with fibroids.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition. Specifically, females with PCOS have higher levels of androgens. Androgens are "male hormones" that can interfere with ovulation. Both PCOS and endometriosis have similar symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and reduction in female fertility.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a disease that causes recurring pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. According to the National Institutes of Health, researchers have found that women with endometriosis are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia.
Endometriosis consultation pricing details
How pricing works
To request an endometriosis consultation and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
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Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Endometriosis treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Womenshealth.gov. "Endometriosis." Accessed 2 Oct. 2023. www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Endometriosis - Symptoms and Causes." www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
Mayo Clinic. "Endometriosis - Symptoms and Causes." Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). "NICHD Researchers Identify Key Genes and Regulatory Elements Associated with Endometriosis." Accessed 2 Oct. 2023. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/endometriosis
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.