Endometriosis symptoms

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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When women suffer from endometriosis, the typical symptom is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. What is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea? It is mainly because the ectopic endometrial tissue also becomes congested, swollen, and sheds each month during menstruation, causing the ectopic lesions to gradually enlarge, thus making the dysmenorrhea increasingly painful. Some women may have ovarian endometriomas or ectopic endometrial lesions in the posterior cul-de-sac of the vagina, which can also cause severe pain during intercourse. Ovarian endometriomas can also affect the normal ovulation of the ovaries, leading to menstrual cycle disorders, such as irregular menstruation or increased menstrual flow, among other phenomena. Endometriosis can also alter the pelvic environment, leading to difficulties in conception for women.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 9sec home-news-image

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis in women is laparoscopy. Under laparoscopy, the lesions of endometriosis can be clearly seen, the severity of the condition is understood, and it can also serve as a surgical treatment. However, generally speaking, this method of examination tends to be relatively expensive, so other methods are usually used for a comprehensive evaluation. For example, understanding the normal menstrual cycle, the duration of menstruation, and the presence or absence of dysmenorrhea. In addition, some related auxiliary examinations, such as vaginal ultrasound, can be combined to check for any abnormal cysts on the ovaries and the echo characteristics of the cyst content. Blood tests for CA125 can also aid in the diagnosis if a significant increase is observed.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does endometriosis cause pain?

The clinical feature of endometriosis is painful menstruation, which tends to worsen over time. If the endometrial tissue is displaced to the ovaries, it can lead to the formation of ovarian endometriomas, often called "chocolate cysts", which can cause the ovaries not to release eggs and generally affects fertility. If endometrial tissue displaces to the uterus, it can cause adenomyosis, leading to a uniformly thickened uterine muscle layer and uneven muscle wall echoes, resulting in an enlarged uterus, which also impacts fertility. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with endometriosis to seek early treatment and prepare for pregnancy as soon as possible. Endometriosis, which affects fertility, is typically characterized by painful menstruation that gradually worsens, and generally, painkillers are insufficient for treating this condition.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is endometriosis serious?

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, which normally lines the uterus and has growth potential, is found outside of the uterine cavity, commonly in the ovaries. The typical clinical manifestation of endometriosis is abdominal pain during menstruation. Such pain intensifies as the condition progresses and can ultimately impact the patient's work and daily life, to the extent that they may not be able to work normally. Thus, endometriosis can become quite severe over time and may lead to infertility in women who wish to conceive.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 9sec home-news-image

How to treat endometriosis in the pelvic cavity?

When women suffer from pelvic endometriosis and the symptoms are not too severe—for instance, if the pain is relatively mild—they can be clinically observed during menstruation. If dysmenorrhea occurs, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin can help alleviate the symptoms. However, some women may experience more severe symptoms and may require pseudopregnancy treatment with drugs, such as oral contraceptives or progestin-based medications. Another approach involves using GnRH analogues, a method known as 'medical oophorectomy.' If symptoms are severe and treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention might be considered. Surgical options include electrocoagulation of endometriotic lesions in the pelvis, sharp or blunt dissection of adhesions, which can also improve the pelvic environment and potentially enhance fertility in women. (Note: Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometriosis Clinical Manifestations

Endometriosis is clinically most evident in dysmenorrhea, which tends to worsen progressively. The clinical presentation varies depending on where the endometrial tissue is located. If the tissue is located on the ovaries, it can form ovarian chocolate cysts. Generally, chocolate cysts can affect fertility, leading to anovulation and the appearance of ovarian chocolate-like cysts. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, which is characterized by a high risk of recurrence after surgery. If there is no immediate plan for pregnancy, there is also a possibility of recurrence. Additionally, if endometriosis involves the uterus, it can lead to a uniformly enlarged uterus and uneven uterine wall echoes, resulting in adenomyosis. Therefore, the most typical clinical manifestation of endometriosis is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea.