Endometriosis: finally recognized, better managed
1 in 10 women affected
Dr. Léa Dumas
Gynecologist
In simple terms
Pelvic pain, infertility: understanding endometriosis and current treatments.
Endometrial tissue outside the uterus
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity (ovaries, peritoneum, bladder, intestine). This tissue reacts to hormones and causes inflammation, adhesions, and pain.
Symptoms
Debilitating dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, cyclic digestive or urinary disorders, infertility (30-40% of cases).
Diagnosis
Clinical examination, transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, pelvic MRI. Diagnostic laparoscopy reserved for complex cases. Diagnostic delay still too long (7 years on average).
Treatments
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Continuous birth control pill, progestins (dienogest), levonorgestrel IUD
- GnRH analogues ± add-back therapy
- Conservative surgery by laparoscopy for severe lesions
- ART in case of infertility
Global approach
Pelvic-perineal physiotherapy, osteopathy, psychotherapy, anti-inflammatory diet: useful complementary approaches.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Inflammation
- The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by your body that tells organs what to do.
- Anti-inflammatory
- A medicine or food that calms swelling and pain.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Endometriosis: finally recognized, better managed?
- Pelvic pain, infertility: understanding endometriosis and current treatments.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Endometriosis: finally recognized, better managed?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Endometriosis: finally recognized, better managed?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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