Important key elements that women should know about it.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic – and sometimes progressive1 – gynecological disease in which the endometrium (the wall of the uterus) grows around organs such as: ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestine, rectum and bladder, causing inflammation and intense pelvic pain. The causes are currently unknown, however, it is thought that genetic, hormonal, environmental and immune factors play a role.2
According to data from the Human Reproduction Biology Service of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital of Social Security, 34.5% of Mexican women diagnosed with primary and secondary infertility suffer from endometriosis.1
The average age at which the condition is diagnosed is in adolescent patients around 15 years of age, although it is also diagnosed in adult women.1 It is important to point out that there are cases of patients who are asymptomatic.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
As we shared with you at the beginning, endometriosis causes inflammation and discomfort in the pelvic area. These are some particular symptoms of this disease3:
- Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
- Abdominal pain outside the menstrual period
- Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Heavier periods (hypermenorrhea)
- Pain with defecation (dyschezia)
- Fertility problems
- Nausea, vomiting
- Weakness, fatigue, dizziness
How can endometriosis be diagnosed?
To be certain when diagnosing this condition, doctors and specialists use two tests4:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This exam explores the woman's genital organs through a probe that emits waves to reflect an image through the computer.
- Pelvic laparoscopy: An incision is made in the navel or below it, to introduce a laparoscope that allows internal visualization of the patient's abdomen and pelvis.
According to Endometriosis Mexico, a non-profit association dedicated to disseminating and educating about this condition, 1 in 10 women suffer from this disease, although the figure may be higher. This is not yet completely clear because the symptoms may be associated with other conditions, such as premenstrual or menstrual syndrome.4.
How serious can endometriosis be?
Based on a study published on the Biocodex Microbiota Institute site, the link between endometriosis and vaginal microbiota – also known as vaginal flora, which is made up of hundreds of bacteria and a smaller number of fungi (candida) that live in this part of the body5- to determine its severity.
The study2 involved women aged 21 to 49 years, the composition of their intestinal and vaginal microbiota during and outside of menstruation was investigated. In the group of people with acute endometriosis, they identified a large number of Anaerococcus – a bacterial genus that can cause infections but is a normal part of the human microbiome – while those with the less advanced condition had a lower presence of this bacterium.2.
By identifying the balanced state of the vaginal microbiota, it can help specialists understand how advanced women with endometriosis are.
Does endometriosis have treatment?
Detecting this disease in time can be a parameter that minimizes the progression or severity of patients, while maximizing successful treatment. The objective of this focuses on preventing the appearance of endometriosis, eliminating the endometriotic lesions present, relieving pain and treating infertility.1.
For this reason, it is advisable to visit a specialist on a recurring basis so that, when creating your profile and clinical history, they can carry out the relevant studies and indicate the treatment that best suits your needs.
Currently there are several studies on endometriosis, one of the sites that constantly publishes information on this and other health issues is the Biocodex Microbiota Institute, a site that has several recent articles. We invite you to learn more about this disease in the lives of women in the following link: https://www.biocodexmicrobiotainstitute.com/es.
Sources:
- Endometriosis. National Institute of Perinatology. March 2022-
- Is the vaginal microbiota a tool to predict the severity of endometriosis? Biocodex Microbiota Institute. March 2022. .
- National Institute of Perinatology, “Endometriosis”
- Endometriosis Mexico, “A health problem too big to be ignored”
- The vaginal microbiota. Biocodex Microbiota Institute. March 2022. .
Frequently asked questions from our readers:
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Endometriosis is a chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside the uterus, in places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, intestine or bladder. This condition can cause severe pain, especially during menstruation, and fertility problems.
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Symptoms of endometriosis can vary in severity and may include severe pelvic pain before and during menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, pain when urinating or defecating during menstruation, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, fatigue, and fertility problems. However, some women may have no symptoms.
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The exact causes of endometriosis are not fully understood, but it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal and immunological factors. Retrograde menstruation, where the menstrual flow moves backwards through the fallopian tubes towards the pelvic cavity, is one of the most accepted theories about its origin.
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The diagnosis of endometriosis is usually made through a medical history, a pelvic examination, imaging tests such as transvaginal ultrasound, and often through laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that allows the doctor to visualize and biopsy suspicious tissue.
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Treatment of endometriosis may include medications to control pain and reduce inflammation, hormone therapy to suppress the menstrual cycle and the growth of endometrial tissue, and in some cases, surgery to remove endometrial tissue and repair affected organs. Treatment may also address fertility problems if they are present.
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Last modified: 2024-11-21T23:31:39+11:00
