Is the Pill Only Treatment for Endometriosis?
Question
I have a question. I was told that I had endometrosis eleven years ago, after the birth of my first child. I am now pregnant with number two and am facing a dilemma. The fact that I got pregnant was a miracle in itself but my Dr said that if I want anymore after this they would really have to treat the endometriosis very agressively because it seems to be spreading toward my colon. This means going on the pill to stop it from advancing any further. Seems kinda funny that if I want more children I need to go on the pill!! Are there any other treatments at all out there that don’t involve taking the pill? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! Cathy
Answer
Last Updated: December 11, 2014
The birth control pill is not a good treatment for endometriosis. It may delay extension of the disease, but it does nothing to treat the endometriosis present already. And as you astutely point out, use of the contraceptive pill in order to preserve fertility makes little sense. Endometriosis is a disease treated surgically. A skilled gynecologist should perform laparoscopic evaluation of the peritoneal cavity, and identify and remove (either through use of a laser or by cutting out) the pockets of endometriosis. On occasion, the scope is not sufficient, and the abdominal cavity needs to be fully opened to better visualize and destroy the endometriosis. All efforts should be made to remove all of the endometriosis; and all parts of the peritoneal cavity should be explored. There is some controversy about what causes endometriosis. There are experts who believe that endometriosis is caused by hormonal abnormalities in the woman’s cycle. There is evidence to support this view. Therefore, you should have a hormonal evaluation of your cycle, and any abnormalities should be corrected. This may help prevent re-accumulation of endometriosis after it has been treated surgically. Dr. John Gisla
Answered By:
John Gisla, MD
Dr. John Gisla, Board Certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians, pracitces in the Sacramento Region.
