What is endometriosis;
Endometriosis is a common, chronic, inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. Endometriosis is a benign disease that frequently affects many organs.
What causes endometriosis;
Although many theories exist, there is no, at this moment in time, universally accepted theory on what causes endometriosis.
Is endometriosis an inheritable disease;
It is likely that having a family history of endometriosis increases the chances of suffering from the disease, although the exact mechanism is complex and incompletely understood.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis;
Endometriosis does not always cause symptoms! If and when they exist, the commonest are painful periods (dysmenorrhea), painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), chronic pelvic pain, bloating, bowel symptoms and urinary troubles.
What are the stages of endometriosis;
Various staging and classification systems exist for endometriosis. Their main target is to anatomically describe the disease, while they can be useful in predicting the chances of natural conception after endometriosis surgery. In general, we classify endometriosis as mild or moderate/severe. It is worth remembering, though, that there is no correlation between the stage of endometriosis and the severity of symptoms.
How is endometriosis diagnosed;
Traditionally, diagnosis was reached surgically, via laparoscopy. However, nowadays, it is possible to reach diagnosis non-invasively, by means of transvaginal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, for the majority of endometriosis cases.
Who will suffer from endometriosis and why?
Since we do not know exactly what causes endometriosis, it is impossible to give a precise answer to this question. However, it is very likely that both genetic (positive family history) and epigenetic( diet, environmental pollution etc.) factors play an important role.
Why not all women have endometriosis?
As previously mentioned, it is impossible to give a definitive answer to this question, based on our current knowledge of endometriosis. However, we acknowledge the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in the development of the disease.
What are endometriotic cysts;
They are a certain form of endometriosis, in which endometriosis affects one or both ovaries. Also known as ‘’chocolate cysts’’ of the ovary due to their content that resembles thick chocolate. It is often associated with low ovarian reserve and infertility, while it can co-exist with other forms of endometriosis (eg. superficial or deep endometriosis).
Is there a medicine to cure endometriosis?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Available options include hormonal medications that acts as contraceptives. Albeit they can offer symptomatic relief, it is not proven that they stop endometriosis progression, while any relief ceases once the patient stops taking them..
Are there any side-effects from medication for endometriosis?
Unfortunately yes and they are relatively common. In certain cases, they can be quite severe, forcing the patient to stop using them.
When is laparoscopy indicated for endometriosis ?
Surgery (via laparoscopy) is considered the current mainstay for management of endometriosis. The aim is to fully and radically excise (excision) all endometriosis lesions, while causing minimal injury to healthy organs and tissues. Endometriosis excision requires surgical expertise and should only be performed by appropriately trained endometriosis surgeons
How does endometriosis affect fertility?
It is certain that endometriosis has a negative impact on fertility in many ways. Reduction of ovarian reserve, chronic inflammation, disruption of normal anatomy and, possibly, reduced endometrial receptivity reduce the chances of achieving a natural conception.
I suffer from endometriosis. Can I get pregnant?
Of course! Most patients suffering from endometriosis can achieve a healthy pregnancy. It is, however, likely that you will require some assistance, either by laparoscopic surgery or by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Does endometriosis affect sexual life?
In most cases, unfortunately, it negatively affects sexual life. One of the commonest symptoms is pain during intercourse, which can be intense, making the patient to stop intercourse. The above, in conjunction with infertility which is common amongst endometriosis patients, negatively affects the couple’s love life.
What are the complications of endometriosis?
Particularly in cases of deep endometriosis, complications can occur. Such are stenosis of the ureter, hydronephrosis causing kidney loss, bowel stenosis, endometrioma rupture causing intra-abdominal haemorrhage, pneumothorax and malignant transformation of endometriosis lesions. We also need to mention obstetric complications and recurrent pregnancy losses that are more common in endometriosis patients.
What are the risks associated with endometriosis?
Particularly in cases of deep endometriosis, complications can occur. Such are stenosis of the ureter, hydronephrosis causing kidney loss, bowel stenosis, endometrioma rupture causing intra-abdominal haemorrhage, pneumothorax and malignant transformation of endometriosis lesions. We also need to mention obstetric complications and recurrent pregnancy losses that are more common in endometriosis patients.
