Endometriosis: symptoms and treatment options

Endometriosis: symptoms and treatment options

Endometriosis: symptoms and treatment options

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease in which endometrial tissue settles outside the uterine cavity. This tissue can be found in various organs of the pelvis, such as the ovaries, peritoneum or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis affects an estimated 10-15% of women of childbearing age worldwide. In this article we will take a closer look at the symptoms and treatment options for this disease.

###Symptoms of endometriosis

The symptoms can vary in severity from woman to woman and range from mild discomfort to severe pain and impaired quality of life. The most common symptoms include:

1.Menstrual cramps: Many women with endometriosis complain of severe pain during their menstruation (dysmenorrhea). This pain can be cramp-like and can occur in both the lower abdomen and the back.

2.Pain during sexual intercourse: In some women, penetration during intercourse causes severe pain (dyspareunia).

3.Chronic pelvic pain: Another common symptom is chronic pelvic pain, regardless of menstruation.

4.Digestive problems: Endometriosis can also cause digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

5.infertility: Some women with endometriosis have difficulty becoming pregnant. Up to 40% of infertile women are affected by endometriosis.

6.Exhaustion and tiredness: Many sufferers report exhaustion and chronic fatigue as side effects of the disease.

7.Painful urination: In rare cases, endometriosis can also cause pain when urinating.

These symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the disease and should not be ignored, especially if they interfere with daily activities.

###Diagnosis

The diagnosis of endometriosis is usually made using a combination of anamnesis, physical examination and imaging tests such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the definitive diagnosis can only be made through a hysteroscopy (laparoscopy). A small incision is made in the abdomen and a small camera is inserted to directly view the tissue outside the uterus.

###Staging

The stages of endometriosis range from minimal to severe, indicating the severity and spread of the tissue outside the uterus. The classification is based on the Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) classification and helps select the appropriate therapy options.

Endometriosis can be divided into the following stages:

1.Stage I (minimal): The tissue outside the uterus is only slightly distributed and there are no major adhesions or cysts.

2.Stage II (mild): The tissue has expanded more, but there may still be no major adhesions or cysts.

3.Stage III (moderate): There are clearly visible adhesions, small cysts may be present, and the pelvic organs may be affected.

4.Stage IV (severe): The tissue is very widespread, there are large cysts and the pelvic organs are severely affected.

Depending on the stage classification, the treatment can vary and be tailored individually to the patient.

###Therapy options

The treatment options for endometriosis depend on various factors, such as the extent of the disease, the patient's age and her desire to have children. Some common therapy options are described below:

####Drug therapy

1.Pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to relieve menstrual pain.

2.Hormonal contraceptives: Treatment with hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, contraceptive ring or hormonal implant can regulate the menstrual cycle and limit the spread of endometriosis tissue.

3.GnRH analogues: GnRH analogues can temporarily induce medical menopause and stop the growth of endometriosis tissue.

####Surgical therapy

1.laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is often performed to make a diagnosis, but can also be used therapeutically to remove affected tissue or break down adhesions.

2.Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy): In some cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary, especially in women of advanced age who do not wish to have children.

FAQs:

Question 1: Is endometriosis curable?

Answer: There is no cure for endometriosis, but with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, symptoms can be relieved and complications can be minimized.

Question 2: Can I get pregnant despite my endometriosis?

Answer: Yes, many women with endometriosis still have the opportunity to become pregnant. However, it can be more difficult due to the disease.

Question 3: Can endometriosis come back after being treated?

Answer: Yes, endometriosis can come back after treatment. Regular medical checks are important in order to detect a recurrence of the disease at an early stage.

Overall, endometriosis is a complex disease with varying symptoms and degrees of severity. A timely diagnosis and individually tailored treatment options can help alleviate the symptoms and enable those affected to have a better quality of life.

Sources:
– http://www.awomanshealth.com/endometriosis/#sthash.Thb3cUhi.dpbs
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181962/
– https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis