What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease that primarily affects women of childbearing age. Worldwide, the disease affects 176 million women. In the Czech Republic, endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases. However, it is still unknown what is the main cause of the development of endometriosis. However, it is believed that estrogen production and the immune system are involved in its pathogenesis. The disease also carries a genetic burden. That is, if endometriosis already runs in the family, for example in the mother, the probability that the disease will manifest in the daughter is increased.
In endometriosis, the lining of the uterine cavity, strictly the endometrium, grows outside the uterus. This affected tissue bleeds during the menstrual cycle under the influence of hormones, and chronic inflammation develops because the blood is not drained. Adhesions and cysts then form around the endometrial deposits, causing great pain. Endometrial deposits can occur anywhere in the body, but especially in the small pelvis, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, bowel, heart muscle, and rarely in lung and brain tissue.

Symptoms

Symptoms of endometriosis usually appear before age 30 and most commonly include painful menstrual cramps, very heavy periods, pain during or after sexual activity, painful bowel movements, pain during urination, off-cycle hematuria, abdominal or pain in the abdomen or lower back that persists throughout the menstrual cycle.
If any of the above symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time, all women should seek medical attention, as infertility or infertility is a common consequence of endometriosis. Today, unfortunately, endometriosis is not completely curable, but thanks to a variety of methods, it is possible to relieve pain and other unpleasant symptoms and prevent recurrence. Timely treatment can also help preserve fertility.