Endometriosis in women is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus) grows outside the uterus. External endometriosis can affect the ovaries, tubes, and other organs in the pelvic area. Signs of endometriosis can range from painful menstruation to fertility problems. It is important to understand how to treat endometriosis and what effective treatments are available.
Symptoms of endometriosis and its causes
Symptoms of endometriosis in women may include:
- Pain with endometriosis, especially during menstruation.
- Menstrual periods with endometriosis may be more painful and longer.
- Fertility problems.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Nausea, vomiting, severe dizziness.
- Painful urination.
The causes of endometriosis in women are not completely clear. However, several risk factors are distinguished, including heredity, disorders in the immune system and hormonal imbalances. Also endometriosis psychosomatics may play a role in the development of the disease.
How to treat endometriosis in women
1. Medication
Various medications are used to treat endometriosis in women to help control the progression of the disease.
One approach is to use drugs that inhibit the activity of endometrium-like tissues and reduce the manifestations of the disease. Hormonal agents that help normalize the menstrual cycle and reduce painful symptoms may also be prescribed. In some cases, an intrauterine hormonal system is used to help reduce the intensity of symptoms and ease the course of the disease.
2. Surgical treatment
If drug treatment is ineffective, it may be necessary to remove the endometriosis surgically. There are different types of surgery, depending on the localization and extent of endometriosis in women.
Surgery to remove endometriosis may involve laparoscopic removal of the affected areas or more complex interventions for severe forms of the disease.
3. Diet and lifestyle
Many women are looking for ways to treat endometriosis without hormones. Proper diet and lifestyle changes can complement mainstream treatment and help manage symptoms. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods are recommended.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a new trend in the treatment of endometriosis that aims to strengthen the patient’s immune system and reduce the inflammatory response. This may be represented by the use of immunomodulators and immunostimulants.
Endometriosis in women and pregnancy
Endometriosis and pregnancy is a complicated combination. This disease can reduce fertility, but does not make pregnancy impossible. Treatment of endometriosis in women planning pregnancy should be comprehensive and include both medications and the possibility of surgical intervention.
How is endometriosis in women diagnosed?
Diagnosis of endometriosis in women may include:
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs using a transvaginal transducer – to visualize pathological changes in the uterine wall and volumetric masses, to clarify their size and localization, to determine the size of the uterus and appendages.
- Computed tomography and MRI – to assess the prevalence of the disease.
- Laparoscopy – to confirm the diagnosis and biopsy.
- Colposcopy – a targeted method of examination using equipment that magnifies the examined area several times.
- Hysteroscopy – endoscopic examination to study the inner surface of the uterus, the mouth of the tubes, etc.
- Urography – is carried out when the urinary system is involved in the process.
- Colonoscopy and rectomanoscopy – indicated for retrocervical endometriosis with involvement of the distal intestine, a biopsy is performed during the procedure.
Endometriosis and oncologic diseases
The opinions of scientists about the nature of endometriosis in women are different, some attribute the disease to benign formations, others – to borderline. Taking into account statistical indicators, the risk of degeneration of endometriosis into a malignant tumor is about 1%. Despite the fact that there are no atypical cells in the endometrioid focus, there is infiltrative growth of the focus and spread by lymphogenic and hematogenous pathways to other organs and tissues. In advanced cases, heterotopias can be found in distant organs: kidneys, lungs, aponeurosis, spleen, eyes, etc.
Also in women suffering from endometriosis, there is an increased risk of malignant tumor of other localization. According to studies, in which more than 20 thousand women with endometriosis were examined, the risk of ovarian cancer increases by 90%, 40% – hematopoietic organs, 30% – breast cancer. The main risk factors are:
- duration of the disease – more than 15 years;
- age of the woman – more than 40 years;
- extragenital form of endometriosis;
- prolonged and unsuccessful drug treatment.
Why is it important to treat endometriosis in a timely manner?
If endometriosis is not treated, the disease can progress and cause serious problems such as infertility or chronic pain. Timely treatment can help improve quality of life and prevent complications.
Innovations in the treatment of endometriosis in women
As medicine advances, new approaches and treatments for endometriosis are emerging that offer patients hope for better management of the disease. One such trend is the use of targeted therapy, which aims to target specific molecules involved in the development of inflammation and endometrioid tissue growth. This allows minimizing side effects and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, there is considerable interest in the use of stem cells to repair damaged tissue and prevent recurrences. More recently, genetic diagnostics has also begun to develop, which can help to more accurately determine predisposition to the disease and select the optimal therapy. Such innovative approaches, combined with traditional methods, open new horizons for the treatment of endometriosis and give hope for a significant improvement in the quality of life of women suffering from this disease.
Conclusion
Endometriosis in women is a serious condition that requires careful attention to diagnosis and treatment. Despite the complexity and variety of symptoms, modern therapies, including drug, surgical and dietary approaches, allow effective management of the disease and improve the quality of life of female patients. It is important to remember that timely referral to a physician and appropriate choice of treatment methods can prevent the development of complications, such as infertility or chronic pain, and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Regular follow-up and individualized treatment are key factors in the fight against endometriosis, which will help to preserve the health and improve the life comfort of women suffering from this disease.
