How do I manage endometriosis pain?

Bottom lineManage endometriosis pain with a combination tailored to you: anti-inflammatory pain relievers, heat, gentle exercise, and rest for flare-ups, plus hormonal treatment (the combined pill, progestogen, or a hormonal IUD) to calm the tissue, and laparoscopic surgery or specialist pelvic pain care for persistent cases; don't push through severe pain - it deserves treatment, so keep advocating with your clinician.

Endometriosis pain can range from manageable to severe, and treatment is tailored to you. Most people use a combination of approaches, and finding the right mix can take time and persistence with your care team.

Pain relief and self-care

• Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (like ibuprofen) often help period and pelvic pain; a clinician can advise on stronger options
• Heat - a heating pad or warm bath - eases cramping
• Gentle exercise, stretching, and rest during flare-ups
• TENS machines and relaxation techniques help some people

Hormonal treatment

Because endometriosis is hormone-driven, clinicians often use:

• The combined pill, progestogen, or a hormonal IUD to reduce or stop periods and calm the tissue
• Other hormone treatments for more significant disease

Surgical and specialist care

• Laparoscopic surgery can remove or destroy endometriosis tissue to reduce pain
• A specialist endometriosis service or pelvic pain clinic helps with complex or persistent pain, sometimes with physiotherapy and pain management support

Don't push through severe pain

Endometriosis pain is real and deserves treatment. See a clinician if pain is severe, not controlled by simple measures, or affecting your daily life - and keep advocating for yourself if you're not getting answers.

See what is endometriosis for background.

Femora helps you track pain and symptoms across your cycle so you and your clinician can find what works.