Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common benign condition affecting women of reproductive age. Endometrial tissue that normally exists in the uterus grows in areas outside the uterus, most commonly in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic peritoneum. This abnormal tissue behaves like the endometrium of the uterus, causing it to ‘bleed’ every month and create cysts and consequently pain.
What are the symptoms
- Pain in the period (dysmenorrhea).
- Pain on contact
- Pain when urinating or defecating, especially during menstrual days
- Vaginal hemorrhoids between periods
- Infertility.
Sometimes endometriosis is diagnosed incidentally during infertility screening.
The severity of symptoms is not always an indicator of the extent of the disease. Women with mild symptoms may have extensive endometriosis and vice versa.
How is the diagnosis made?
- Background
- Gynaecological ultrasound
- Abdominal MRI
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
What is the treatment
Treatment of endometriosis can be medical or surgical or a combination of both. This depends on the severity of the symptoms and the desire to have children. The doctor usually prescribes:
- Painkillers
- Hormonal therapy
- Contraceptives
In any case, surgery is a solution when the patient experiences severe pain, has endometriotic cysts in the ovaries or has fertility problems. Before surgery, it is important to have the patient’s age, whether she has already had children and heredity assessed. Based on these factors, the doctor will decide when and with what technique the surgery will be performed. The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. The surgeon removes the endometriosis with a laser or bipolar current. If the problem is extensive, open surgery may be required.
