---
title: Endometriosis and Birth Control Pills
date: 2017-12-21T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/endometriosis-and-birth-control-pills"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Endometriosis and Birth Control Pills

People who may have undiagnosed endometriosis are often prescribed birth control pills to reduce period pain. This article explores how hormonal birth control pills may help manage symptoms but may also include side effects.

> Many women with period pain, especially adolescents, who could have endometriosis but don’t have a (laparoscopy-confirmed) diagnosis are prescribed the pill to reduce their pain. These women may only be diagnosed with the disease once they stop taking the pill and their symptoms return or increase.

[Read the full article ](https://theconversation.com/what-happens-to-endometriosis-when-youre-on-the-pill-89035)

SOURCE: The Conversation • AUTHOR: Peter Rogers, Martin Healey, Premila Paiva • LAST UPDATED: December 21, 2017

![What happens to endometriosis when you’re on the pill?](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions)
- [endometriosis](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/endometriosis)
- [menstrual pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-pain)
- [birth control pill](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-control-pill)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Coping With Heavy Periods as a Child

MT describes how she coped with the heavy and painful periods she experienced growing up before being able to take birth control.

![My Story- Coping With Heavy Periods as a Child](data:image/png;base64,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)

MT describes how she coped with the heavy and painful periods she experienced growing up before being able to take birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-heavy-periods-as-a-child)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.

![My Story- Learning About What Sex Ed in School Didn't Teach Me](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB discusses the gaps in what she learned about types of birth control and potential uses of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-what-sex-ed-in-school-didnt-teach-me)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Controlling My Period with the Pill

AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start.

![My Story- Controlling My Period with the Pill](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-controlling-my-period-with-the-pill)

[ResourcesRead

## About Birth Control

This interactive page from Planned Parenthood helps you find birth control methods in line with your priorities.

![What's the contraceptive method of your choice?](data:image/png;base64,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)

This interactive page from Planned Parenthood helps you find birth control methods in line with your priorities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/about-birth-control)

[ResourcesRead

## Addressing Endometriosis in Black Women

Why don't Black patients' reports of the pain of endometriosis get taken seriously?

![Chronic pelvic pain often misdiagnosed in Black women, study finds](data:image/png;base64,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)

Why don't Black patients' reports of the pain of endometriosis get taken seriously?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/addressing-endometriosis-in-black-women)

[ResourcesWatch

## Beyond the Pill: Birth Control For Your Life!

In this video, young women share their experiences of finding the birth control method that works best for them.

![Birth Control For Your Life](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this video, young women share their experiences of finding the birth control method that works best for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/beyond-the-pill-birth-control-for-your-life)

[ResourcesRead

## CeMCOR: The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research

A broad collection of information about menstrual health. Topic areas include fertility, heavy flow, hot flashes, cramps and painful periods, contraception, and more.

![CeMCOR-The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research](data:image/png;base64,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)

A broad collection of information about menstrual health. Topic areas include fertility, heavy flow, hot flashes, cramps and painful periods, contraception, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/cemcor-the-centre-for-menstrual-cycle-and-ovulation-research)