Written by the Amorae care team · Last reviewed · How we write our health content
Part of our endometriosis guide · Browse every question we answer
What pain relief can you take for endometriosis?
Managing endometriosis pain is often about building a 'toolkit' of different options. From standard pharmacy bits to specialist care, here is what you can try.
The short answer
There isn't a single 'magic pill' for endometriosis, but there are several ways to manage the pain. Most people start with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, but many move on to hormonal treatments, prescribed medicines, or surgery.
The goal isn't just to mask the pain, but to find a routine that helps you live your life. This often means mixing medical treatments with daily self-care and local support.
Standard medical treatments
When you speak to your GP about endo pain, they will usually suggest a few different approaches depending on how severe your symptoms are:
- Painkillers: Over-the-counter options like paracetamol or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are usually the first port of call. If these don't help, a doctor might prescribe stronger painkillers like codeine.
- Hormone treatments: These work by limiting or stopping the production of oestrogen, which encourages endo tissue to grow. Options include the combined pill, the progestogen-only pill, or the hormonal coil (IUS).
- Surgery: If pain is severe or other treatments haven't worked, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) might be used to remove or destroy the endometriosis tissue.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. Always speak to your GP or specialist before starting new medications or if your symptoms change.
Managing pain at home
Medical treatments are important, but day-to-day management often comes down to the small things you do at home to stay comfortable.
Heat therapy: A classic for a reason. Hot water bottles, wheat bags, or stick-on heat pads can help relax the pelvic muscles and provide some comfort during a flare-up.
Pacing: It’s tempting to try and 'push through', but with endo, that often leads to a crash. Learning to pace your energy and rest before the pain peaks is a vital skill.
Physiotherapy: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be incredibly helpful. A specialist can teach you how to relax muscles that have become tight or 'guarded' due to chronic pain.
CBD pessaries as part of the routine
Many women with endometriosis find that they need something extra for the days when standard painkillers aren't quite enough, or when they want to avoid taking more oral medication.
CBD pessaries are designed to be used locally. Because they are inserted vaginally, they deliver CBD directly to the pelvic area, melting at body temperature to reach the tissues that need it most. They can be a helpful addition to your 'endo toolkit', offering a gentle, targeted way to support pelvic comfort without the grogginess sometimes caused by stronger tablets.
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Amorae Intimate is a wellness CBD product. It is not a licensed medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you experience severe or persistent pelvic pain, or you have a diagnosed condition such as endometriosis, please speak to a healthcare professional. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. For adults aged 18 and over, resident in the United Kingdom.