Endometriosis is a very common disease of the female reproductive system. This inflammatory process may cause serious consequences without proper treatment. In this disease, the number of endometrial cells increases.

Causes

Hormonal disorders are considered a common cause of the disease. Also, according to the doctors, the important role is played by heredity and changes in the immune system.

Surgery in the uterus or genital organs increases the risk of various types of endometriosis. Cesarean section, abortion, curettage after a miscarriage, a variety of methods of cervical erosion treatment, as well as obstructed labor can trigger uncontrolled proliferation of the endometrium.

Some experts believe that the constant stress and fatigue can also be the cause of this disease.

Women of reproductive age, from 20 to 45 years old, are the most susceptible to the disease. Generally endometriosis can be diagnosed at any age anywhere. The older is the patient, the greater is the likelihood of complications.

Symptoms of the disease

In some cases, the disease may be asymptomatic. Its presence woman learns only after examination by a gynecologist. To detect the proliferation of the endometrium can be a doctor during ultrasound.

But there are also a number of symptoms associated with the disease. The main of them: painful menstruation, spotting at any time during the menstrual cycle, pain in the lower back and pelvic area. May appear spotting after intercourse. If inflammation touches the neighboring organs, there is high probability of problems with urination and defecation.

Symptoms of endometriosis can be easily confused with other diseases of the genitourinary system. Therefore it is very important to regularly undergo a comprehensive examination by a gynecologist, to take the necessary tests.

Endometriosis is often the cause of infertility, because the fertilized egg is unable to attach to the uterus and develop normally.

Therapies

There are several methods of treatment of this disease: surgery (laparoscopy) or conservative treatment through the use of drugs.

The use of laparoscopy in such cases is assigned:

  • if treatment by hormonal therapy did not produce the desired results;
  • severe pain that prevents fully life;
  • if endometriosis prevents conception;
  • presence of cysts in the ovary or in the cervix, which is the nature of the endometrium;
  • widespread inflammatory foci on the pelvic organs.

Laparoscopy is a relatively simple operation. There are several contraindications which do not carry out this type of surgery. Contraindications are divided into full and restrictive types. Fully ones include ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, malfunction of the respiratory system, hemophilia, tumors of various etiologies. Restrictive contraindications include obesity, previous infection, kidney failure, inflammation of the uterus and surrounding organs.

Conducting laparoscopy

This surgery compares favorably with the cavity that is left virtually no trace on the body.

During laparoscopy, endometriosis occurs removal and burning of land for them. For this purpose, surgeons make small punctures the abdominal cavity. Through them, the doctors inject a video camera and the necessary tools. Thanks to constant video surveillance, surgeons are able to completely remove inflammatory foci, leaving nothing. During the removal of portions of endometriosis by laparoscopy, doctors can apply various techniques. For example, resection (clipping), electrocautery (burning), laser vaporization (evaporation). In most cases, surgeons prefer resection.

Endometrium is necessary to send a biopsy to rule out the chance of developing cancer.

After laparoscopy endometriosis doctor appoints medical treatment.

Drug treatment of endometriosis

During prescribing physician is guided by many factors: age of the patient, presence of concomitant diseases, the need to preserve the reproductive function. Also, the doctor predicts the possible consequences of the choice of a particular method of treatment. Hormonal drugs used for endometriosis are directed at leveling woman’s hormons.

The most effective method of treatment, according to doctors, is the combined use of surgical techniques and hormones. Removal of inflammatory foci by laparoscopy is reliable, time-tested way of dealing with endometriosis. But it is important not only to get rid of the disease, and minimize the negative effects, but also to prevent it.

If we treat endometriosis only with medication, it is necessary to prescribe large doses of hormones. This negatively affects the patient’s health status. Drug treatment is very spread, because many patients are afraid of surgery.

Unfortunately, none of the methods of treatment of endometriosis guarantee complete recovery from this unpleasant disease. There is always the chance of recurrence. This is due to the fact that the disease is not yet fully understood. Even after surgery endometriosis may reappear.

Prevention

It is better to prevent disease than to deal with its treatment. What should be done for prevention of endometriosis? Firstly, you should twice a year pass a full examination by a gynecologist. Secondly, timely treat all inflammatory diseases. It is also necessary to monitor the weight, because obesity may trigger the development of this disease. Abstinence from sex during menstruation also reduce the risk of endometriosis. These rules must be observed not only to those women who have cured endometriosis, but also those who have never suffered from it.