Birth Control for Endometriosis

Overview
There are many forms of prescription birth control that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy. Many of these forms, including the combination birth control pill, patch, and vaginal ring are also prescribed off-label to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Combination birth control pills include brand names such as Enpresse, Kariva, and Ocella. Brands of the vaginal ring include Annovera and NuvaRing. The brand name for the patch is Xulane.

These forms of hormonal contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin, two hormones similar to what the body produces naturally. In cases of endometriosis, they are believed to work by controlling the growth of the uterine lining.

How do I take it?
Combination birth control pills are taken once daily at the same time every day. They come in the form of a tablet. The ring can be inserted vaginally for up to five weeks at a time before being replaced. The patch can be placed on the skin and replaced once a week.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly while taking any form of birth control.

Side effects
Forms of birth control can cause common side effects including spotting between periods, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches and migraine, weight gain, mood changes, missed periods, and decreased libido.

Rarely, birth control can cause serious side effects including blood clots, gallbladder disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, liver cancer, and stroke.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Combination Birth Control Pill — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/com...

Birth Control Patch — Planned Parenthood
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-c...

Birth Control Ring — Planned Parenthood
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-c...