Vaginal danazol for women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with vaginal danazol in improving the pain symptoms caused by rectovaginal endometriosis that persist after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD). Methods: This pilot observational study included 15 women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after LNG-IUD insertion. Vaginal danazol (100 mg per day) was self-administered for 6 months. The intensity of pain symptoms and the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules were evaluated. Results: Twelve women were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. After treatment with vaginal danazol for 3 months, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of pain symptoms compared with their intensity before the administration of danazol. The intensity of pain symptoms decreased further at 6-month follow-up. The volume of the rectovaginal nodules decreased after treatment with vaginal danazol for 6 months (1.7 ± 0.8 cm3) compared with the baseline volume (2.3 ± 0.9 cm 3; P < 0.001). Adverse effects of the treatment were minimal and well tolerated. Conclusion: Although a placebo effect cannot be excluded, the results indicate that vaginal danazol decreases the severity of endometriosis-related pain symptoms after LNG-IUD insertion. © 2011 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.