Endometriosis - Treatment

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Treating Infertility in Patients with Endometriosis

For women with severe endometriosis who want to become pregnant, conservative surgery (typically laparoscopy) is the appropriate approach for restoring fertility. Hormonal therapies that treat endometriosis itself, such as GnRH agonist or progestins, generally do not help fertility. If surgery fails, fertility drugs and assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, are options. Women with endometriosis who are trying to conceive should discuss all treatment options with a fertility specialist. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #22: Infertility in women.]

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Herbs and Supplements

Some studies suggest that the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil supplements may be helpful for endometriosis. Others have indicated possible benefits from Chinese herbal medicine. There are few well-conducted studies on these treatments and more research is needed.

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell their products. Just like with drugs, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Patients should check with their doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).