Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) gynecological disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. As a result, pain and infertility are among the main problems caused by the disease.
What Symptoms Can Women With Endometriosis Have?
Symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person, and some women may experience symptoms that are unusual both in type and duration. Endometriosis is commonly suspected when symptoms such as pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), pain during urination (dysuria), pain during bowel movements, or infertility occur. The pain is usually described as cyclical – related to the menstrual cycle, long-lasting, and occasionally worsening.
What Are the Atypical Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Endometrial-like tissue can be found in various parts of the body, leading to unusual symptoms outside the pelvic area. Symptoms may involve organs not directly connected to the uterus, including the urinary tract, heart, lungs, or nervous system.
How Common Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects approximately 10–15% of women of reproductive age and is present in around 70% of women who suffer from chronic pelvic pain.
Why Does Endometriosis Develop?
There are several theories about the causes and development of endometriosis; however, none can fully explain the wide range of possible symptoms.
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In addition, endometriosis is present in approximately 50% of women diagnosed with infertility.
Besides pain and unpleasant symptoms, the disease creates a significant burden for both patients and healthcare systems because diagnosis often takes years, causing women to miss work and daily activities.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Endometriosis?
Women who experienced an early onset of menstruation (before the age of 11), have short menstrual cycles (shorter than 27 days), heavy menstrual bleeding, or infertility are at increased risk of developing endometriosis.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
A definitive diagnosis of endometriosis can only be made through surgery (laparoscopy), as it is necessary to visualize the inside of the body and collect a tissue sample for analysis. IMC Priora brings together gynecologists with surgical expertise who use minimally invasive surgical techniques and abdominal cavity examinations. The goal is to ensure a faster recovery, identify the true cause of chronic pain and irregular menstruation, and help women return to everyday life more quickly. On average, it takes between 4 and 11 years from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis.
This happens in both less developed and highly developed healthcare systems. Delayed detection of endometriosis occurs because there is no simple blood test or straightforward examination that can diagnose the disease. In addition, the symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions that cause similar complaints, particularly disorders of the pelvis, digestive system, or urinary system.
What Can Reduce the Risk of Endometriosis or Relieve Symptoms?
Factors that may reduce the likelihood of developing endometriosis or help relieve symptoms include pregnancy, prolonged breastfeeding, the use of contraceptive therapy, and tubal ligation.
Is Endometriosis Treated With Medication or Surgery at IMC Priora?
The first line of treatment is always medication. Surgical treatment is considered only when medication does not provide satisfactory results. It is important to emphasize that current therapies and surgical procedures aim to reduce pain and relieve symptoms.
