Complete Guide to Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 10 people with ovaries. It can cause pain, infertility and ovarian cysts. For general information on endometriosis, access our patient handout.

We are pleased to provide resources below that were created by endometriosis specialists. Our aim is to provide you with trusted information on the treatments for endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that resembles the inner lining of the uterus (i.e. endometrium) is found outside of the uterus.

Estrogen plays an important role in endometriosis growth. During each menstrual cycle, there is an increase in estrogen within the body. Implants of endometriosis may swell, grow and bleed, just like the endometrial lining inside the uterus. This swelling and bleeding at endometriosis sites causes pain through local inflammation, new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and nerve cell formation (neurogenesis). 

Endometriosis General Information

Medical Treatment Options

birth control pills illustration

Birth Control Pills

Oral Progestins (Access handouts here)

Oral Progestins

Progestin Intrauterine Device (Access handouts here and here)

Progestin IUD

GnRH Antagonists (Access handouts here and here)

GnRH Antagonists

GnRH Agonists (Access handout here)

GnRH Agonist

Frequently Asked Questions Endometriosis