Prepared and published by Update Software Ltd . All rights reserved. A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 08 August 1997. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.
Endometriosis is a major women's health-care problem.
Endometriosis is defined according to histological criteria by the presence of tissue resembling endometrium in sites outside the uterus, most commonly the ovaries and peritoneum. The aim of treatment has been to remove the deposits of ectopic endometrium that are thought to be responsible for the symptoms of endometriosis. The duration of hormonal treatment may be limited by unwanted side effects. The combined pill has the great advantage over other hormonal treatments that it can be taken indefinitely. The aim of this review was to establish the role of modern oral contraceptives in the management of painful symptoms ascribed to endometriosis.