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Abstract Abstract Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition which affects many women of reproductive age worldwide and is a major cause of pain and infertility. Endometriosis is classically defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in ectopic locations outside of the endometrial cavity, primarily the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries, and rectovaginal septum and often of progressive nature. Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting at least 10% of reproductive-aged women, but is found in approximately 40% of infertile women, and up to 90% of women with pelvic pain. The classic triad of endometriosis symptoms, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dyschesia, raises clinical suspicion for this disorder. Medical and surgical treatments are mainstays in the management of endometriosis, and different approaches are dictated by the pleiotropic manifestations of the disease as well as underlying patient characteristics. In general, medical treatment options are limited when fertility is desired because of the ovarian suppression inherent in their mechanisms of action. Key words: Oral contraceptives for endometriosis associated pain |