‘The Pill’ is often used to achieve long-term suppression of endometriosis and endometriosis pain. It can be used to stop mild endometriosis progressing or to stop the condition from recurring following surgical or hormonal treatment. Usually the Pill is prescribed continuously, that is the ‘sugar pills’ are discarded and the hormone pills are taken daily to stop the period and suppress the endometrial cells.

Possible side effects

Possible side effects of the oral contraceptive pill include:

• Irregular bleeding
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness 
• Weight gain
• Mood changes / depression
• Headache

You should not take the Pill if you:

• Smoke and/or are over 35 with risk factors for heart disease or cardiovascular disease.
• Have high blood pressure
• Have had recent breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack or stroke
• Have liver disease
• If there is a family history of thrombosis or clots and your clotting profile is unknown

More serious risks of the Pill, such as blood clots (thrombosis), are rare. If you experience chest pain, severe headaches, severe pain, or swelling of one leg, you should see your health practitioner immediately.

Content Updated August 31, 2009