Endometriosis: Breaking the Silence on Female Pain

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium outside the uterine cavity (ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, bladder, intestine). This tissue reacts to hormones and causes inflammation, pain, and adhesions.

Symptoms

• Severe dysmenorrhea (very painful periods)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
• Cyclical digestive or urinary problems
• Infertility (30 to 40% of cases)
• Chronic fatigue

Medical solutions

Analgesics: NSAIDs as first-line, sometimes weak opioids.

Hormone therapy: continuous birth control pill, progestins (dienogest), levonorgestrel IUD, GnRH agonists for ovarian suppression.

Surgery: laparoscopic excision of lesions, indicated in case of medical failure, severe lesions, or desire for pregnancy.

What about fertility?

Depending on age and stage, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (IVF) are offered. A multidisciplinary approach (gynecologist, surgeon, pain specialist, psychologist, physiotherapist) significantly improves quality of life.