Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition caused by endometrial cells that migrate in the opposite direction and fall into the ovaries.
A endometriosis It is an abnormal functioning of the body, an inflammatory condition caused by endometrial cells that migrate in the opposite direction and fall into the ovaries or abdominal cavity, where they multiply and bleed again.
According to the Brazilian Endometriosis Association, between 10% and 15% of women of reproductive age (13 to 45 years old) can develop it and there is a 30% chance that they will become sterile.
Among the most common symptoms of endometriosis, we can mention intense menstrual cramps and pain during sexual intercourse. Additionally, inflammatory cells can affect egg and sperm quality. It is a chronic disease that regresses over time, but can be treated to prevent further damage.
What can endometriosis cause?
The endometrium is a mucosa that lines the inner wall of the uterus, where the fertilized egg implants itself. When there is no fertilization, much of the endometrium is shed during menstruation. Consequently, what is left grows again and the whole process repeats itself with each cycle.
In addition to the pain it causes women, this is also the main cause of female infertility. The growth of the endometrium out of place leads to inflammation and anatomical changes that prevent the tubes from functioning properly.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Firstly, endometriosis can also be asymptomatic. However, it is usually accompanied by symptoms. The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:
Menstrual cramps
Also called dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps are one of the main symptoms of endometriosis. Therefore, as the condition progresses, it is common for the intensity of pain to increase, which can lead some women to be unable to carry out daily activities.
Dyspareunia
In other words, pain during sexual intercourse, which is also quite common.
Pain and bleeding
In addition to menstrual cramps, in the case of patients with endometriosis, they may also experience intestinal and urinary pain and bleeding during menstruation.
Infertility
Around 20% of women have only pain, while 60% have pain and infertility and 20% have only infertility, which is the most serious symptom of the disease, as it makes the woman unable to have a pregnancy.
In addition to these symptoms, women with endometriosis may also experience other discomforts:
- Premenstrual pain;
- Diffuse or chronic pain in the pelvic region;
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion;
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding;
- Intestinal or urinary changes during menstruation.
How is endometriosis caused?
As previously stated, endometriosis is an inflammatory change caused by endometrial cells that should be expelled, but end up returning to the ovaries. In this way, they multiply and bleed again, which can lead to deep endometriosis, which is the most serious form of the disease.
However, The cause of endometriosis is not yet completely defined. There are some hypotheses, but nothing concrete so far. So, one of the main hypotheses is that part of the blood returns from the fallopian tubes during menstruation and is deposited in other organs. However, Another possibility has to do with genetics, and would be linked to a deficiency in the immune system.
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Have you noticed the presence of one or more symptoms of endometriosis? So, even with the slightest suspicion, the ideal is to start by having a clinical examination with the gynecologist. This is the first step in reaching a positive diagnosis or not.
The diagnosis is made through laboratory and imaging tests, such as endovaginal ultrasound, resonance and blood tests. However, the certainty of the disease is confirmed with a biopsy.
Is it serious to have endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect egg quality and fertilization. Furthermore, it can result in other changes in a woman’s reproductive functions, such as obstructing the uterine tubes, which can lead to infertility. Therefore, for women who want to have children, it can be a problem.
Furthermore, Symptoms can also negatively impact the patient’s life, due to intense pain that can compromise quality of life, especially during menstruation days.
Does endometriosis hurt?
As stated above, yes, this is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of the disease. This is because the part of the endometrium outside the uterus continues to be stimulated by menstrual hormones. Therefore, this action ends up leading to an inflammatory reaction, which is what causes such intense pain during menstruation.
Can endometriosis make me infertile?
Not only can it, but it is also the main cause of infertility among women. This is because the anatomical changes caused by the endometrium outside the uterus end up preventing the tubes from functioning correctly, which are fundamental to the fertilization process. And if not enough, inflammatory cells can also affect the quality of the egg, as well as the sperm.
Is endometriosis curable?
Unfortunately not. Endometriosis is a chronic disease that has no cure. However, there are treatments to control the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Furthermore, Endometriosis regresses naturally with the arrival of menopause, due to the drop in hormone production. But, in the case of younger women, the treatment indicated by a gynecologist may include measurement to stop menstruation., such as non-interval contraceptives and GnRh analogues. However, this type of treatment can result in some side effects.
Finally, in cases of advanced disease and larger lesions, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove them. And if the woman already has children and no longer wants to get pregnant, the permanent removal of the ovaries and uterus may be indicated as treatment.
How to prevent or deal with endometriosis?
As seen above, there is no medical consensus on the causes that lead to the development of endometriosis. Consequently, it is difficult to speak directly about prevention. However, you can do some things to deal with the disease.
Firstly, don’t think that colic is something normal in a woman’s life. So, if you experience very strong menstrual cramps, you should consult a gynecologist and describe what you feel so that he can guide the treatment. In addition, take all necessary tests to diagnose endometriosis.
Furthermore, Start the appropriate treatment for your case as soon as possible after diagnosing the disease. Above all, yes, endometriosis is among the possible causes of difficulty getting pregnant, but fertility can be restored with appropriate treatment.
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Bibliography:
- ESHRE. Information for women with endometriosis – Patient version of the ESHRE Guideline on management of women with endometriosis. 2014. Disponível em:
- ENDOMETRIOSIS UK. Endometriosis – Treatment options. 2010. Disponível em:
Sources: Gineco DrauzioTua Saúde
