Pain with periods or sex is the most common complaint. Belly pain or loose stools may occur with periods if the intestines are involved. Some women may not have any pain and are not able to get pregnant. Treatment is available for all these problems. Treatment will depend on how much endometriosis is found and if the woman is having difficulty getting pregnant.
Initial treatment is with medications.
Naproxen or ibuprofen is given to decrease pain and swelling. Birth control pills are given to lighten the bleeding. If these treatments do not work, drugs that stop the normal cycle are used for several months. Difficulty getting pregnant may last for a while after treatment. In these cases, laparoscopy is used to cut or burn away scarring and growths.