Endometriosis
Get to know your condition: moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis
Note: This page provides information on your condition and does not necessarily reflect the benefits of MYFEMBREE.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to that of the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, usually in the abdomen. Outside the uterus, the tissue thickens and bleeds during the menstrual cycle, but the resulting blood cannot leave the body as it normally does via the vagina. This causes inflammation and sometimes scarring (adhesions) which can cause painful symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of endometriosis
The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. Usually this pelvic pain is linked with menstrual periods, but for some women it happens on a daily basis, regardless of whether they are on their period. While it’s common to experience cramping during menstruation, people with endometriosis often experience more intense cramping, and the pain can increase over time. Some women also experience pain with sexual intercourse.
Other symptoms include pain with bowel movements or urination, infertility, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
Pain caused by endometriosis may have a functional impact on day-to-day life. For example, the functional impact could include making it difficult to do things around the house, exercise, or attend social functions. It can also lead to feelings of depression and isolation, problems with sex and relationships, and difficulty fulfilling work commitments. Over-the-counter painkillers can help manage the pain, or doctors may prescribe medication for more severe pain, if necessary.
Is there a cure for endometriosis?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. Your doctor has prescribed MYFEMBREE to you as a suitable treatment to help manage your pain due to your endometriosis.
You’re not alone.
Endometriosis affects as many as:
1 in 10 women of reproductive age
5 in 10 women who are experiencing infertility*
5 in 10 women with chronic pelvic pain*
What causes endometriosis?
The exact cause of endometriosis is not known. There are several theories that may explain why it develops. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
Lifestyle tips to promote good health
Eat healthy
Try to eat a balanced, healthy diet with lots of plant-based foods high in fiber and antioxidants. Maintaining a healthy weight will improve your overall health, and eating plenty of fiber can help keep you regular so you don’t have to strain during bowel movements.
Self-care
Self-care is a critical part of managing chronic conditions. If you are feeling fatigued, lie down and rest. Warm baths may also help relieve pain. Some women find meditation or yoga useful for helping with their pain-related symptoms.
Exercise
Exercise helps improve your overall health and also triggers endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers. Aerobic exercise (like brisk walking) also has anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce body fat (which contains inflammation-promoting substances), and it may increase the production of hormones that help keep inflammation in check.
* Based on women who underwent laparoscopic assessment for infertility or pelvic pain.
Throughout this website, the term “women” is used to mean cisgender women and individuals with female biology. Pfizer acknowledges the importance and need for more research into the challenges facing the transgender, genderfluid, and non-binary communities.