Medical treatments of endometriosis: a review

Bahi Elbasueny; Maya Geerts; Emily C. Yang; Catherine Allaire; Paul J. Yong; Mohamed A. Bedaiwy

doi:10.1097/rd9.0000000000000053

Medical treatments of endometriosis: a review

Bahi Elbasueny, Maya Geerts, Emily C. Yang, Catherine Allaire, Paul J. Yong, Mohamed A. Bedaiwy

In: Reproductive and Developmental Medicine · 2022 · vol. 7(3) , pp. 166–179 · doi:10.1097/rd9.0000000000000053 · W4308733170

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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This review synthesizes current and investigational medical therapies for endometriosis pain, detailing a symptom-based approach and recommending future research directions.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Most medical treatments used today for endometriosis pain are hormonal therapies, which are not an option for those trying to conceive and are not tolerated by a subset of patients due to side effects. In this article, we offer a comprehensive review of current and investigational medical therapeutic options used to treat endometriosis pain, as well as a symptom-based systematic approach for patients with painful endometriosis. We have also included recommendations for research to enhance the evolution of novel therapeutic options. A thorough literature search was carried out, and the data were synthesized using a synthesis matrix that classifies and categorizes various arguments.

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endometriosis

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