Endometriosis

  • Endometriosis consultation

What is endometriosis?

The term endometriosis is derived from the word „endometrium“ (uterine lining). In endometriosis, however, this mucous membrane is also found outside the uterus. Endometriosis lesions are often found in the small pelvis, e.g. on the ovaries, the peritoneum and the uterine fibroids. Adenomyosis refers to the occurrence of endometriosis lesions in the uterine muscles. Infestation of the bladder and bowel is also possible. As these foci also react to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, they cause cycle-dependent pain.

What are the causes?

The causes of endometriosis have not yet been fully clarified scientifically. There are various theories, but none that can explain all the phenomena. Among other things, genetic factors are suspected, as endometriosis tends to run in families.

Enable the desire to have children:

We will be happy to advise you on the treatment options available at our center if you are unable to conceive. If necessary, we can also refer you to a fertility center.

How can endometriosis be treated?

Hormonal/medication treatment

Hormonal agents suppress the body's own hormone production in the ovaries and therefore also ovulation and menstruation. These can be considered for endometriosis:

• Progestogens as a tablet or LNG coil
• Birth control pill
• GnRH analogs

Surgical therapy

Endometriosis can usually be treated with a gentle procedure, laparoscopy. The foci of endometriosis are completely surgically excised under general anesthesia.

Or, in the case of small superficial deposits, they are removed by laser or "electrical diathermy". The laser procedure uses the heat of laser beams, while diathermy uses the heat of an electrically heated probe.

Painkillers

Painkillers from the group of so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can often be used successfully to treat chronic pain

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

During your appointment in our endometriosis consultation, we will first take a detailed medical history. At the same time, the information you provide in the questionnaire will be discussed with you. The medical history is an important parameter in the diagnosis. The following examinations are also carried out:

  • Gynecological mirror and palpation examination
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: manifestations in the small pelvis, such as endometriosis cysts, so-called chocolate cysts, can be detected.
  • Cystoscopy if necessary
  • Rectoscopy (colonoscopy) if necessary
  • Radiological examinations (MRI / CT) if necessary
  • However, the diagnosis can only be confirmed by laparoscopy. During this procedure, the endometriosis lesions are classified by an experienced surgeon and tissue samples are taken for histological examination.