Endometriosis – Important Information on Diagnosis and Treatment
Overview
- Causes: The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood. Discussed factors include retrograde menstruation, genetic factors, hormonal influences, and changes in the immune system.
- Symptoms: Severe menstrual pain, chronic lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, pain during urination or bowel movements, and infertility.
- Diagnostics: Medical history, gynecological examination, ultrasound, MRI for specific questions, and laparoscopy for diagnosis confirmation and treatment.
- Treatment options: Pain therapy, hormonal treatment, surgical removal of endometriosis lesions, and modern minimally invasive laser therapy.
- Advantages of laser therapy: Precise treatment of superficial and deeply infiltrating endometriosis lesions, preservation of surrounding tissue, and support of fertility-preserving approaches when indicated.
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. These so-called endometriotic lesions can settle on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, intestines, or bladder, among other places.
Since this tissue reacts similarly to hormonal changes as the uterine lining, inflammation, adhesions, and severe pain can occur. Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynecological conditions and can affect quality of life as well as fertility.
What symptoms does endometriosis cause?
The symptoms can vary greatly. Some women have only mild symptoms, while others suffer from severe pain.
Common Symptoms
- severe menstrual pain
- chronic lower abdominal pain
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain during urination or bowel movements
- infertility
- fatigue and exhaustion
- pain during ovulation
How does endometriosis develop?
The exact cause of endometriosis is not yet fully understood. It is suspected to be a combination of various factors.
Possible Causes
- retrograde menstruation
- genetic predisposition
- changes in the immune system
- hormonal influences
- chronic inflammatory processes
Where can endometriosis occur?
Endometriotic lesions can develop in different areas of the body.
Commonly Affected Areas
- ovaries
- fallopian tubes
- peritoneum
- Douglas pouch
- intestines
- bladder
- ureters
- vagina
- rarely diaphragm or lungs
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion of the symptoms and a gynecological examination.
Possible Examinations
- gynecological examination
- ultrasound
- MRI for specific questions
- laparoscopy
- histological examination
Laparoscopy remains an important part of diagnostics and often allows for the treatment of endometriotic lesions at the same time.
What treatment options are available?
The therapy depends on the symptoms, age, desire for children, and the extent of the condition.
Conservative Treatment
- pain management
- hormonal treatment
- physical therapy
- multimodal pain therapy
Surgical Treatment
In cases of severe endometriosis, surgical removal of the endometriotic lesions may be advisable. The goal is to alleviate pain and, if desired, improve the conditions for pregnancy.
Laser Therapy for Endometriosis
Laser surgery is one of the modern methods in the surgical treatment of endometriosis. The LEONARDO® DUAL enables precise and minimally invasive treatment of superficial as well as deeply infiltrating endometriotic lesions.
Targeted energy delivery allows for tissue-conserving treatment of endometriotic lesions. The fine laser technology supports precise surgery even in anatomically challenging regions and can help preserve healthy tissue as much as possible. This is particularly important in ovarian endometriosis with regard to preserving fertility.
The treating surgeon decides which treatment is suitable in each individual case based on the specific findings.
What are the advantages of laser therapy?
Advantages at a Glance
- precise treatment of endometriotic lesions
- minimally invasive procedure
- targeted energy delivery
- preservation of surrounding tissue
- applicable for superficial and deeply infiltrating endometriosis
- supports fertility-preserving approaches when indicated
Living with Endometriosis
Endometriosis is often a chronic condition and often requires long-term care. In addition to medical treatment, regular check-ups, exercise, physical therapy, and individually tailored pain management can help improve quality of life.