Did you know that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women around the world? This common health condition affects about 190 million women, most of whom are of childbearing age, as it causes severe abdominal pain during the menstrual cycle, and may lead to delayed pregnancy and other problems. (1) Join us to learn more about this condition and ways to manage.


What does endometriosis mean?

Endometriosis means the presence of endometrial cells outside their natural location (inside the uterus), mostly migrating to the ovaries, the fallopian tube, or the uterine wall from the outside. They may also be present in lesser cases in the vagina, cervix, or intestines. Or the bladder, or anywhere else. (2)


The problem is that these migrating cells behave exactly like endometrial cells during the menstrual cycle, that is, they rupture and bleed during menstruation, and this causes severe pain for the woman, inflammation, and painful adhesions at the site of their presence. (2)


What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptoms of endometriosis include: (3) (4)


●      Severe pain in the abdomen or back during menstruation.

●      Chronic pelvic pain, especially before and during menstruation.

●      Pain during intercourse for married women.

●      Heavy menstrual bleeding.

●      Delayed pregnancy.

●      Exhaustion and fatigue.

●      Other symptoms depend on the location of the migrating cells. If they are in the intestine, there will be pain during defecation, constipation, or diarrhea, and if they are in the bladder, there will be pain during urination, or hematuria.


But many women do not have symptoms of endometriosis, and they only know when pregnancy is delayed and tests are performed to discover its cause, or when pelvic surgery is performed for other cases.




If you develop these symptoms, be sure to visit a doctor without delay, before the condition worsens and treatment becomes difficult. Come to the women's clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital, where we provide you with distinguished health care to treat endometriosis and other gynecological diseases.



Why does endometriosis occur?

The cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but several theories have emerged that may explain its occurrence, including: (2)


●      Retrograde menstruation (menstrual reflux): that is, when menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tube, carrying endometrial cells with it to the abdomen, where they attach to other organs and grow.

●      Genetic factor: Genes are believed to play a role; Due to the multiplicity of affecting among women in the same family.

●      Problems with the immune system: That is, when the immune system fails to recognize foreign endometrial cells, leaving them to grow without resistance.

●      Surgery: Endometrial cells can be transmitted during some abdominal surgeries, such as caesarean section, hysterectomy, etc.


What tests detect endometriosis?

Gynecologists may predict the presence of endometriosis through the symptoms that the woman suffers from, a pelvic examination, and some imaging tests, but the only way to be sure is through laparoscopy, which is a simple surgical procedure, during which a thin scope is inserted through incisions in the abdomen to detect The location of the endometriosis, and sometimes a biopsy is taken of it to conduct studies on it. (3)

Is it possible to get pregnant with endometriosis?

Yes, pregnancy is possible with endometriosis, but it may be a little more difficult. About half of the women who have difficulty conceiving have endometriosis, and this is because it causes blockages and adhesions in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis, making it difficult for sperm to reach oocytes and fertilize them. (2)


You can discuss the case with your doctor to choose the appropriate treatments / options to help you become pregnant

What is the treatment for endometriosis?

Unfortunately, there is no complete cure for endometriosis, but some options are available that help relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and increase the chances of pregnancy. (3)


First, medications are tried, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives, progesterone-only pills (Visan), an IUD, or GnRH stimulators, as these hormonal treatments work to stop the menstrual cycle. It slows the growth of the migratory lining along with it, but it does not get rid of it completely. (3)


For women who want to become pregnant, surgical treatment is best for endometriosis, as these cells are removed, and any adhesions / blockages are treated, which reduces symptoms and increases the chances of pregnancy. (3)


References