Which birth control is best for endometriosis symptom management?
Key takeaways:
- Hormonal birth control can be used to reduce symptoms of endometriosis, helping you to find relief.
- It’s important to discuss your endometriosis symptoms and health history with your medical provider to understand how birth control may help your symptoms.
Endometriosis can be incredibly disruptive, causing chronic pain, heavy periods, and fatigue—all of which can greatly interfere with daily life. For many people, hormonal birth control is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms. While it isn’t a cure, the right method can reduce pain and bleeding, and help you feel more in control of your health.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore endometriosis treatment or looking to adjust your current plan, the best birth control for endometriosis is the one that fits your body, your routine, and your goals. That’s why it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can help you weigh your options and find a personalized solution.
How birth control pills can work to help manage endometriosis
Birth control pills are one of the most common ways to treat endometriosis, and for many people, they make a meaningful difference. They’re easy to take, widely available, and can help reduce pain and bleeding by calming the hormonal activity that fuels endometriosis. The key is finding the right type for your body and your needs.
Combined oral contraceptives
Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Together, these hormones thin the uterine lining and reduce how much endometrial-like tissue builds up each month.
After talking with their provider, many people take them continuously (skipping the placebo week), which can stop periods altogether. That often means less pain, less bleeding, and fewer flare-ups—especially if you tend to have painful bowel movements or cramping during your cycle.
Progestin-only pills
Progestin-only pills (also called the mini-pill) don’t contain estrogen, so they work a little differently. They primarily thin the uterine lining and thicken cervical mucus.
For people who can’t take estrogen—due to a history of blood clots, migraines with aura, or other health concerns—this can be a safe and effective option. Some find their periods stop completely, while others notice a big improvement in endometriosis-related pain and inflammation.
How pills can help relieve pain
The relief isn’t just from fewer periods. Birth control pills also lower levels of prostaglandins—chemicals in the body that trigger cramps and inflammation.
By keeping hormone levels more stable, they help reduce the cycle of pain that many people with endometriosis experience. It often takes time to see full effects, but for many, the change is worth the wait.
At Nurx, we offer a range of options to fit different needs. Your provider will help you find a solution that supports your reproductive health and fits your life.
What are your birth control options for managing endometriosis?
Hormonal contraception is a common and effective way to manage endometriosis—but not every method works the same way, and what’s right for one person may not be right for another.
It helps to have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider and choose the method that fits best with your body, lifestyle, and goals for managing symptoms.
Continuous vs. cyclic birth control
One of the first decisions to consider is whether you want to take birth control continuously or in a traditional cycle.
- Continuous birth control means taking active pills daily without a placebo break. This can stop your period entirely, which often means fewer flare-ups of pain and inflammation.
- Cyclic birth control includes a week of inactive pills (or a ring-free or patch-free week), so you’ll still have a monthly bleed. Some people prefer this rhythm or feel better sticking with a regular cycle.
Both options can be helpful for managing symptoms of endometriosis, but it’s important to consider what works best for your body. Many people with endometriosis find that continuous use offers the most relief, but some prefer the structure of a monthly period. Your provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
Patch, ring, and injection
If daily pills don’t fit your lifestyle, there are other hormonal contraceptive options:
- The patch: Worn on your skin and changed weekly, it delivers steady hormones with less daily upkeep.
- The vaginal ring: Placed inside the vagina for three weeks at a time, the birth control ring offers a low-maintenance option that can also be used continuously.
- The injection:* Given every three months, it often stops periods entirely, but may come with side effects like weight gain or longer-lasting hormonal changes if you decide to stop.
Each of these options can help manage endometriosis symptoms—especially when used properly and continuously—but how your body responds might differ, so it’s okay to try something new if the first method isn’t a perfect match.
*The injection may be prescribed by a Nurx affiliated provider, but is not fulfilled through a Nurx pharmacy.
IUDs and implants
For longer-term relief, hormonal intrauterine devices, or IUDs, and the arm implant are great low-maintenance options. Keep in mind, these options are not available with Nurx, as they’ll require the guidance of an in-person healthcare provider.
- The IUD releases progestin directly in the uterus and can help stop periods, reduce pelvic pain, and calm inflammation, often for up to 3–7 years.
- The implant provides similar benefits from just under the skin of your arm, and lasts up to 5 years.
These “set it and forget it” methods are especially helpful for people managing chronic pain who want consistent, long-term symptom control without the daily upkeep of pills.
The benefits of birth control for endometriosis patients
The benefits of hormonal contraception go far beyond period regulation when you’re looking to manage and relieve endometriosis symptoms. When the right method is in place, many people find they can reclaim parts of their daily life that pain or fatigue had taken over.
Easing pelvic pain and heavy bleeding
Birth control can reduce the pelvic pain that often comes with endometriosis. Over time, many people see their symptoms shift from disruptive to manageable. It can also reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, helping to prevent fatigue or anemia and reducing the need to plan life around your period.
Helping slow lesion growth
Hormonal birth control doesn’t just treat symptoms—it may also help prevent progression of endometrial growth.
While it’s not a cure and won’t shrink existing endometriosis lesions, it can slow things down and reduce the chance of flare-ups.
Improving digestive and whole-body symptoms
Endometriosis doesn’t only affect the reproductive system. Painful bowel movements, bloating, fatigue, and even painful sex are all common symptoms. Because hormonal birth control reduces inflammation across the pelvis, it can help ease these too.
Many people also notice more stable moods and energy levels with consistent hormonal support.
How to know what’s right for you
While birth control is a common and often effective treatment for endometriosis, it’s still important to understand the possible side effects. Knowing what to expect—and when to check in with your provider—can help you feel more in control of your care.
Discuss risk factors with your provider
Combined hormonal contraceptives (those containing estrogen and progestin) come with an increased risk of blood clots.
This risk remains low for most people but is higher if you smoke, are over 35, have a personal or family history of clotting disorders, or certain health conditions. If that applies to you, your provider may recommend a progestin-only method, which doesn’t carry the same clotting risk.
Let your provider know right away if you experience:
- Unexplained leg pain or swelling
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe headaches or changes in vision
These could be signs of a rare but serious complication.
Common side effects
It’s completely normal to have questions about side effects. Some of the more common ones include:
- Weight gain: Some people notice slight weight changes, but for many, it balances out within a few months.
- Vaginal dryness: This can happen, especially with continuous use. A good lubricant can help ease any discomfort.
- Mood changes: Hormones can affect mood differently for everyone. Some people feel more emotionally stable, while others may experience mood shifts
Other common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and occasional spotting, especially when starting a new method. Most of these tend to improve over time, but if they don’t, talk to your provider about switching methods to find something that works for you.
What to monitor when you start treatment
When beginning any kind of hormone therapy, it’s helpful to track how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally.
A simple symptom diary can go a long way in identifying patterns and guiding your next steps. And remember, adjusting your treatment is part of the process. Finding the birth control method that works best for your body may take a little time, and that’s okay. Your provider is here to help every step of the way.
Finding the best birth control for endometriosis
Birth control can be a powerful tool for managing endometriosis, helping to reduce pelvic pain, lighten or even stop heavy bleeding, and keep flare-ups in check. The key is finding a method that fits your body and your life. That might be a pill you take daily, an IUD that works in the background, or something in between.
A knowledgeable healthcare provider can help you figure out the birth control that’s best for endometriosis on your terms, based on your own symptoms. You’ll be able to talk through your options and decide on a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. With a little trial and support, many people find meaningful relief and a better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What birth control is best for endometriosis?
Ultimately, the best choice of birth control for you is the one that helps you the most. It may take some trial and error, but Nurx providers are here to help you find a good fit for your symptoms, body, and lifestyle.
What is the new pill for endometriosis?
MyfembreeⓇ is a daily pill that helps reduce endometriosis pain by lowering estrogen levels in the body. It works by blocking GnRH receptors, which reduces hormones that cause pain and tissue growth. It is not a form of birth control.
Is an IUD or a pill better for endometriosis?
Both can be effective. Progestin-releasing IUDs are often recommended for their ability to reduce pain and bleeding with long-lasting relief. The best choice is whatever works for you and your body. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Does the pill slow the growth of endometriosis?
Yes. Birth control pills—especially those containing progestin—can help prevent endometrial tissue from growing and reduce inflammation.
You deserve birth control that works for your body and your life. With so many options to choose from, it can be confusing to find what’s right for you. Get started with a consultation with Nurx providers today for guidance on your options and support every step of the way.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.
Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of required consultation.
Not all options discussed in the blog are available through Nurx. Please see Nurx.com for details.
Myfembree® is not offered through Nurx. Learn more at myfembree.com. All product names, manufacturer or distributor names, logos, trademarks, and registered marks (“Product Marks”) are the property of their owners and are for identification purposes only. Product Marks do not imply any affiliation, endorsement, connection, or sponsorship by their owner(s) with Nurx.
Myfembree® is contraindicated in women who are pregnant, have a high risk of blood clots, known osteoporosis, hormone-sensitive cancers, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or allergies to its components. It may cause serious side effects, including blood clots, bone loss, mood disorders (including depression and suicidal thoughts), liver issues, gallbladder problems, elevated blood pressure, and changes in menstrual bleeding that could delay recognition of pregnancy. Women should use non-hormonal contraception during and for one week after stopping Myfembree®. Common side effects include hot flashes, abnormal bleeding, hair loss, decreased libido, mood changes, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Regular monitoring (e.g., bone density, liver function, mental health) is recommended during treatment.
