Endometriosis characteristics

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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The main characteristic of endometriosis is painful menstruation, and in severe cases, it can lead to heavy periods and prolonged menstrual cycles. If endometriosis leads to the formation of ovarian chocolate cysts, the rupture of these cysts can cause severe abdominal pain. Moreover, endometriosis can easily lead to pelvic adhesions, which are a common cause of infertility. If the condition is severe, abdominal pain may also occur after the menstrual period has ended. In the case of adenomyosis, the symptoms include an enlarged uterine body, heavy periods, and prolonged menstrual cycles. If the condition is severe, then surgical treatment may be necessary.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does endometriosis require the removal of the uterus?

Endometrial displacement, depending on the specific location of the displacement, calls for different treatments. When the endometrial glands and stroma invade the myometrium, it is called adenomyosis. Treatment is based on the patient's symptoms, age, and fertility requirements. If there are fertility requirements, or the patient is near menopause, medicinal treatment can be tried to alleviate symptoms. For younger patients with adenomyosis who have reproductive needs, focal excision surgery can be considered. For patients with severe symptoms, who either have no reproductive needs or for whom medicinal treatment is ineffective, a total hysterectomy may be considered.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Endometriosis refers to the occurrence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, a common gynecological condition that often leads to painful menstruation, pain during intercourse, and infertility. Diagnosing endometriosis involves several approaches. First, inquire about the patient's clinical symptoms, including any painful menstruation and pain during intercourse. Second, a pelvic ultrasound should be performed to observe the situation inside the pelvis, assessing for any ovarian endometriotic cysts or pelvic endometriotic lesions. Third, a blood test for CA-125 can be conducted, as the levels of CA-125 tend to increase with endometriosis. Fourth, laparoscopy can be used to collect local tissue for pathological examination, which is the gold standard in diagnosing endometriosis.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Causes of Infertility in Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that severely troubles women's daily lives. Besides causing painful menstruation, endometriosis is also a common cause of infertility. The reasons for infertility caused by endometriosis include the following aspects: First, endometriosis often leads to the formation of chocolate cysts on the ovaries, which can affect ovarian function and cause impaired ovarian function. Second, endometriosis can sometimes affect the function of the fallopian tubes, causing adhesions in the fallopian tubes. This may result in difficulties in egg pickup, preventing the sperm and egg from meeting and forming a fertilized egg in the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is endometriosis treated?

Treatment methods for endometriosis include conservative treatment and surgical treatment. If the patient's symptoms are relatively mild, the dysmenorrhea is not very severe, and there is no occurrence of excessive menstruation or prolonged menstrual period, conservative treatment can be applied. Common conservative treatment methods include oral contraceptive pills, and a levonorgestrel-releasing system can be placed inside the uterine cavity. If the patient has reproductive demands and the symptoms are more severe, or if there is a chocolate cyst on both ovaries, surgical treatment can be performed, but the recurrence rate after surgery is also relatively high. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Consequences of Endometriosis

The consequences of endometriosis primarily include abnormal menstruation and infertility, with about 50% of those affected experiencing infertility. The reasons for this stem from the abnormal pelvic structures caused by endometriosis, as well as extensive adhesions of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and abnormal motility of the fallopian tubes, all of which lead to reduced functions in transporting sperm and eggs. Furthermore, changes in the microenvironment within the pelvis also lead to infertility. Abnormal menstruation is mainly characterized by an increased amount of menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods, which can easily lead to anemia in patients.