WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometrium is the name of the layer that lines the uterine cavity. Located in the uterus; The special cell layer that is prepared to host pregnancy every month and is shed in case of menstrual bleeding due to the lack of adequate hormone support when there is no pregnancy is called the "endometrium". The formation of this layer outside the place where it belongs, that is, outside of the uterus, in the tubes, the intra-abdominal membrane, the ovaries, the surface of the intestine, and the surface of the urinary bladder is called endometriosis.
The cells that make up the endometrium layer are located on the surface of the intra-abdominal membrane, uterine ligaments, ovaries, tubes, intestine, and urinary bladder in smaller pieces compared to the intrauterine membrane tissue.
Since the endometrium is a hormone-sensitive layer, hormonal changes occur in these cell islets. These foci also act as the lining of the uterus. Bleeding occurs in these areas, just as there is bleeding during the menstrual period every month.
If your menstrual periods are painful and you are constantly using painkillers and these pains have been present since your teenage period, if you have painful sexual intercourse.
If the mother or siblings have endometriosis, you may also have ENDOMETRIOSIS.
Endometriosis foci experience the same changes that hormones cause during a menstrual period, and bleeding and shedding occur in these cells during the menstrual period. Inflammatory defense cells to limit bleeding in the abdominal cavity surround the endometriosis foci. In this region, a process caused by the inflammatory response begins. Adhesions occur to the surrounding tissues during recovery and this situation continues repeatedly in each menstrual period.
The blood remaining in the bleeding cyst for a long time in each menstrual period coagulates and melts over time, becoming a liquid with a chocolate color and consistency. For this reason, these cysts are called “chocolate cysts”.
chocolate cysts “endometriosis” It usually shows adhesions around. The appearance of chocolate cysts indicates that endometriosis is severe.
The diagnosis can be made by seeing dense granular cystic masses in the ovary on ultrasonography.
Endometriosis is divided into stages according to the prevalence in the abdomen. Stage 1 is the least common stage, while stage 4 is the most advanced. As the stage progresses, the possibility of natural pregnancy decreases. While a woman is in stage 1, the stage may progress over time.
Among the drug treatment options, the only alternative that can be used for a long time is the birth control pill, and it is preferred as the first option for women who do not have a desire to have children.
ENDOMETRIOSIS develops depending on the estrogen hormone known as the female hormone.
Therefore, when the estrogen hormone is present in the body, endometriosis sometimes flares up and sometimes regresses and continues to give symptoms until menopause.
The cells that make up the endometrium layer are located on the surface of the intra-abdominal membrane, uterine ligaments, ovaries, tubes, intestine, and urinary bladder in smaller pieces compared to the intrauterine membrane tissue.
Since the endometrium is a hormone-sensitive layer, hormonal changes occur in these cell islets. These foci also act as the lining of the uterus. Bleeding occurs in these areas, just as there is bleeding during the menstrual period every month.
If your menstrual periods are painful and you are constantly using painkillers and these pains have been present since your teenage period, if you have painful sexual intercourse.
If the mother or siblings have endometriosis, you may also have ENDOMETRIOSIS.
Endometriosis foci experience the same changes that hormones cause during a menstrual period, and bleeding and shedding occur in these cells during the menstrual period. Inflammatory defense cells to limit bleeding in the abdominal cavity surround the endometriosis foci. In this region, a process caused by the inflammatory response begins. Adhesions occur to the surrounding tissues during recovery and this situation continues repeatedly in each menstrual period.
Can enometriosis cause infertility?
There is no rule that every woman with endometriosis will have infertility. However, it is a serious risk for infertility. Endometriosis can cause infertility with many effects such as egg transport in the tubes, deterioration of ovulation function, and defects in the nesting of the fertilized embryo in the uterus. The bleeding and healing period that continues every month in these foci may cause adhesions between the tubes and the ovaries, intestines and uterus. Again, foci formed in the ovary can reduce the egg cell reserve in the ovary or negatively change the quality of the egg cells.What is Chocolate Cyst (Endometrioma)?
Chocolate cysts lining the uterus “endometrium” It occurs as a result of the presence of the membrane layer called the ovaries in the ovaries and becoming a cyst by bleeding during each menstrual period.The blood remaining in the bleeding cyst for a long time in each menstrual period coagulates and melts over time, becoming a liquid with a chocolate color and consistency. For this reason, these cysts are called “chocolate cysts”.
chocolate cysts “endometriosis” It usually shows adhesions around. The appearance of chocolate cysts indicates that endometriosis is severe.
The diagnosis can be made by seeing dense granular cystic masses in the ovary on ultrasonography.
Endometriosis is divided into stages according to the prevalence in the abdomen. Stage 1 is the least common stage, while stage 4 is the most advanced. As the stage progresses, the possibility of natural pregnancy decreases. While a woman is in stage 1, the stage may progress over time.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
The definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is made with a special method we call LAPAROSCOPY. The uterus, ovaries, tubes, intestines are directly visualized with a special thin camera system entered from the umbilicus. Biopsy is taken from suspicious foci. Diagnosis is made by pathology. During laparoscopy, the condition of the tubes and the presence of adhesions are determined. Adhesions can be opened in the same session, and these foci can be reduced in size by burning them with a high heat emitting system, which we call cauterization. Chocolate cysts in the ovaries larger than 4 cm can be removed.Is there a definitive treatment for endometriosis?
Endometriosis is an estrogen dependent problem. Every drug aimed at lowering the estrogen hormone in the body ensures the regression of these foci. However, medical treatments cannot be used for a long time, as the low level of estrogen in the body negatively affects many systems, especially the bones and vascular system. For this reason, they can be used during periods of severe complaints.Among the drug treatment options, the only alternative that can be used for a long time is the birth control pill, and it is preferred as the first option for women who do not have a desire to have children.
ENDOMETRIOSIS develops depending on the estrogen hormone known as the female hormone.
Therefore, when the estrogen hormone is present in the body, endometriosis sometimes flares up and sometimes regresses and continues to give symptoms until menopause.
Treatment of infertility with endometriosis
Treatment of infertility with endometriosis should be individualized. The treatment to be applied;
- woman's age,
- Whether there is an additional problem in the man,
- Stage of endometriosis
- Anatomical condition of the tubes
- Depends on the ovarian reserve.
- For self-pregnancy in young women and early stage endometriosis, waiting 6 months to 1 year after cauterization of the foci with laparoscopy, and if there is no pregnancy afterwards, vaccination is the first option, while in advanced stage endometriosis, regardless of age, in vitro fertilization is considered as the first treatment option.
