Endometriosis: what is it, how to recognize it, and what does it threaten?

Endometriosis is a common disease in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow beyond its usual area, affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterine cavity, peritoneum of the pelvis, and sometimes other pelvic organs.

It is important to understand what kind of disease endometriosis is and what its manifestations are in order to seek medical help in time. In more detail, the obstetrician-gynecologist tells gynecologist Alyona Romanenko in more detail about this.

What is the danger of endometriosis?

The disease occurs in 10% of women of reproductive age, which is about 190 million people, according to WHO.

It can be accompanied by severe pain, which increases during menstruation.

Sometimes the manifestations remain unnoticeable, and the woman does not realize about the problem until endometriosis of the uterus leads to serious consequences, such as infertility or chronic pain syndromes.

Why does endometriosis appear?

Until now, the exact causes of endometriosis remain unclear, but genetic predisposition and hormonal disorders are among the possible factors.

Some studies also link this to retrograde menstruation, in which menstrual blood particles enter the abdominal cavity, where endometrial cells begin to develop outside the uterus.

There are also hypotheses about the connection of the disease with abnormalities in the development of the embryo, when foci of endometriosis form in the womb.

Symptoms of endometriosis and diagnostic methods

Most often, the disease is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain with endometriosis, especially severe during menstruation. Many women experience severe cramps and discomfort during menstruation.
• Spotting outside of menstruation and pain during sexual intercourse.
• Heavy menstruation.
• Problems with conception and other menstrual disorders.

These symptoms of endometriosis can be characteristic of other diseases, so it is necessary to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Ultrasound and laparoscopy are often used to diagnose endometriosis, a surgical diagnostic method that can identify even small foci of endometriosis.

What is the danger of endometriosis of the uterus?

The disease can lead to the development of endometrioid cysts, adhesions in the pelvic region, and difficulty conceiving.

Complications of endometriosis include damage to neighboring organs and nerve endings, which increases the manifestations of pain syndrome.

In addition, chronic inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs may occur.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be genital (affects the organs of the reproductive system) and extragenital (affects other tissues and organs).

One of its forms is focal endometriosis of the uterine body, when individual sections of endometrioid cells affect the muscular layer of the uterus.

Endometriosis treatment and prevention

Today, there are several approaches to the treatment of endometriosis: from medical methods to surgical treatment, in which the identified foci are removed.

Hormonal medications are used to control symptoms, and simple anti—inflammatory drugs are used for severe pain.

In some cases, when endometriosis of the peritoneum of the small pelvis causes pronounced manifestations, surgical intervention is prescribed.

At the moment, there are no specific preventive measures, but regular visits to the doctor and early diagnosis of endometriosis can reduce the risk of disease progression.

The consequences of endometriosis of the uterus can be serious, so early detection and proper treatment will help avoid complications. If you have pain in the lower abdomen, especially during menstruation, you should consult a specialist.

Make an appointment for a consultation at the Kandinsky Clinic if you are concerned about the symptoms or have doubts about why your stomach hurts during critical days. We will help you figure out whether endometriosis may require surgery and how to control the disease in the early stages.

The clinic's team of specialists applies a multidisciplinary approach, combining the efforts of doctors from different fields to solve even the most complex gynecological problems.