Endometriosis symptoms and treatment in women. What is endometriosis? Symptoms, treatment of gynecological pathology

Endometriosis of the uterus is a disease that is quite common in the practice of gynecologists. According to the generally accepted opinion, it is considered a hormone-dependent pathology, in which the endometrium (the mucous layer that lines the inside of the uterus and regularly comes out with menstruation) begins to grow in other parts of the female body, where it, in principle, should not be.

At what age can you get endometriosis?

In terms of the number of cases, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and various inflammatory processes in the genital organs were able to “overtake”. And, as studies have shown, most often the described disease occurs in women of reproductive age (after thirty years and up to fifty). In women over fifty, this disease is no longer possible: after all, with the onset of menopause in women, the endometrium practically disappears, and, therefore, there is no risk of developing the pathology that this article will be devoted to.

The mystery of endometriosis

Researchers believe, referring to uterine endometriosis, that this disease is polyetiological, that is, one that can have many causes that served its development. And sometimes these reasons cannot be precisely established. The most frequent of them are:

• genetic predisposition. So, according to the results of recent studies, in the family of a woman with endometriosis, as a rule, there is at least one other blood relative affected by this pathology. Individual genetic traits have also been identified that determine the predisposition of a particular woman to endometriosis.
• Hormonal disorders. It was also found that in patients with the described disease, the level of progesterone decreases and changes in the ratios of steroid hormones are observed.
• Violation of immunity. A normal level of immunity prevents endometrial cells from surviving outside the uterus. The decrease in the protective functions of the body leads to the fact that the endometriotic tissue continues to grow both outside the uterus and inside it, growing into her body (thus, endometriosis of the uterus and cervix begins).
• Metaplasia. So in medicine is called the transformation of one tissue into another. In the case of the endometrium, the reasons for this transformation are unknown and controversial.

How does the pathological process begin?

It is also worth knowing when discussing the diagnosis of "endometriosis of the uterus" that this disease begins with the throwing of small particles of the endometrium with the flow of menstrual blood into the abdominal cavity (or along with the lymph) and into other organs of the woman's body. There, tissue particles attach and begin their pathological growth, often disrupting the functioning of the affected organ and causing suffering and pain.

Foci of tissue growth can be observed both near the genitals, in places in contact with them (intestines, peritoneum or bladder), and in remote places (for example, in the larynx, lungs, and even in the eyes).

Disease classification

In gynecology, the types of endometriosis are usually distinguished depending on its localization.

• Genital endometriosis is characterized in that foci of endometrioid tissue are found within the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Endometriosis inside the body of the uterus is called "adenomyosis" and is the most common type of this disease.
• The extragenital form of the disease implies the presence of foci outside the genital organs. It, in turn, is divided into peritoneal (the surface of the peritoneum, ovaries and pelvis is affected) and extraperitoneal (damage to the external genitalia, vagina, uterine ligaments and cervix).
• The combined form combines lesions in both the genital and extragenital cavities of the female body.

Symptoms of endometriosis of the uterus

Signs of endometriosis of the uterus appear depending on the characteristics of each organism. Occasionally, for example, this disease does not make itself felt at all, and it can only be detected during preventive examinations. Although usually some symptoms are always present.

The most common is pain syndrome. It is present in 60% of patients with endometriosis and usually presents as dysmenorrhea. That is, in the form of pain in the lower abdomen, which a woman experiences during the onset of menstruation. They may be accompanied by weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. All these signs are most pronounced with endometriosis a couple of days before the onset of menstruation and in its first three days.

Menstrual flow becomes abundant, and sometimes appear between periods. Often there is a violation of the cycle.

Often in cases of endometriosis is dyspareunia (pain and discomfort during intercourse). Most often, such phenomena occur in patients with lesions of the vagina, sacro-uterine ligaments, space in the region of the rectum and uterus, as well as the rectovaginal septum.

Adenomyosis of the uterus

Now we will dwell in more detail on a particular case of endometriosis - adenomyosis, since this is the most common form of the described disease. In another way, it can be called internal endometriosis of the uterus, since pathological changes in this case occur in the cavity of the named organ. The mucosa grows inside the body of the uterus, into its muscular layer, forming diffuse changes or, less commonly, nodular and focal lesions.

All this causes dysfunction of the organ, swelling in the affected area and pain. Depending on how deep the endometrium has grown into the tissue, there are four degrees of damage. And all of them are accompanied by copious discharge during menstruation, and sometimes between them. As a result, women develop anemia, pallor or yellowness of the skin, lethargy, drowsiness, irritability, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Internal endometriosis of the uterus, the treatment of which will be described below, is quite often combined with uterine fibroids or (sometimes) with an ovarian tumor. Often, chronic inflammation of the appendages joins it.

Perhaps the most severe consequence of the described disease is infertility (namely, the inability to conceive a child), which occurs in 40% of patients.

Endometriosis and pregnancy

Surely this will frighten women who are diagnosed with endometriosis of the uterus. Is it possible to get pregnant in this case? What's stopping you from conceiving a baby?

It should be noted right away that the connection between infertility and endometriosis has not yet been sufficiently studied and there are ongoing disputes among specialists around it. There are several opinions about what provokes the named problem:

• with this disease, mechanical disturbances of patency are found in the fallopian tubes;
• sometimes pregnancy is prevented by the presence of an adhesive process that makes it difficult for the release of the egg, or a violation;
• on closer examination, the immunological disorders that were mentioned above are also to blame for infertility, they interfere with the process of ovulation, fertilization and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

Interestingly, according to recent studies, the majority of women with endometriosis do not actually ovulate, despite regular periods. And conception without it is impossible. In addition to those mentioned above, there is an opinion that the female body itself determines whether a woman can bear a child, and therefore pregnancy does not occur due to the lack of favorable conditions for her.

Of course, endometriosis is not a sentence for those who want to have a baby. Although the treatment takes a long time.

Treatment of endometriosis of the uterus

Now let's talk about how uterine endometriosis is treated in modern medicine. This process can be carried out conservatively (medication), surgically (organ-preserving or radical way) and combined method.

In no case do not self-medicate, relying only on the use of folk methods! Contact a specialist immediately!

uterus, endometriosis

Endometriosis is often combined with uterine fibroids. And they are used to treat these diseases, due to the similarity of the mechanisms of development and pathological conditions, similar methods.

How are uterine endometriosis and fibroids treated? Depending on the condition and age of the patient, as already mentioned, they resort to drug therapy and surgical intervention. Both of these methods are carried out against the background of taking hormonal drugs, since both of these diseases appear most often due to a violation of the hormonal background of a woman.

For therapy, gestagens, combined estrogen-gestagenic, as well as antigonadotropic drugs are used, which exclude menstrual function for the duration of treatment. And this, in turn, helps the regression of foci of endometrial lesions, regardless of their location.

Progestogens - drugs containing the natural hormone progesterone or its synthetic substitutes. This hormone sets the state of the endometrium when it is ready to receive and develop a fertilized egg. The mentioned drugs include such medicines as "Norkolut", "Getstrinone", "Dufaston", etc. They are prescribed at all stages of the disease. The course is from six months to 8 months.

Antigonadotropic drugs suppress the production of hormones (they are called gonadotropes) that stimulate the functioning of the gonads. These drugs include medications "Danol", "Danogen", "Danazol", etc. They are taken within six months. And they are contraindicated only in cases where the level of androgens is already high in the woman's body.

Surgery

Now let's clarify how endometriosis of the uterus is treated with the help of surgery. It is divided into two types: with one, the organs are preserved, and only the foci of the disease are removed, and with the other, the organs are removed along with extensive affected areas.

The latter method is used most often in nodular forms of the disease, the presence of ovarian cysts provoked by endometrioid tissue, or when the described pathology is combined with

In the postoperative period, hormone therapy is prescribed for six months. And in some cases, hormonal treatment is also carried out before the operation.

In the presence of infertility and small lesions in the form of adhesions, laparoscopy is performed. It belongs to the type of microsurgical operations and is performed through a small incision.

It is also important to carry out electrocoagulation of foci of the disease, followed by hormonal therapy.

Folk ways to treat endometriosis

As mentioned above, self-treatment of endometriosis can lead to serious consequences. It is impossible to make such a diagnosis without a special examination, since the disease does not have specific symptoms that belong only to it. This means that it is also impossible to be treated without monitoring the results.

Before you start taking any medicinal herbs, be sure to consult your doctor. Sometimes, to improve the condition of the patient, the doctor suggests treatment. Now we will dwell on this remedy in more detail, explaining how this medicinal herb works and is prepared.

Endometriosis and upland uterus: recipes

The upland uterus is a medicinal plant (in a different way - which since 2003 has been approved by the Ministry of Health for use in the treatment of the female genitourinary system.

It is prescribed in cases of inflammatory diseases, infertility, fibroids, uterine bleeding, the presence of adhesions, menstrual disorders, as well as endometriosis. To do this, use infusions and decoctions of the named medicinal herb.

The decoction is prepared from one tablespoon of the product. It is added to boiling water (1 cup) and continue to boil over low heat for ten minutes. Then the broth is allowed to stand for about 4 hours and filtered. It should be taken in a tablespoon half an hour before meals up to 4 times a day.

Treatment of endometriosis with a pine forest is also carried out with the help of infusion. It is prepared from 2 tablespoons of herbs. They are poured with boiling water (2 cups), covered with a lid and wrapped. Let it brew for 15 minutes, then strain. Such an infusion is taken in several dosages: either 4 times a day for half a glass half an hour before meals, or (more sparing method) a tablespoon 3 times an hour before meals.

Both decoction and infusion can be used for douching according to indications.

As you probably already understood from all of the above, endometriosis can not be detected on its own, and regular pain associated with the menstrual cycle can be attributed to the characteristics of your body. However, at the initial stage of the disease, even they may not be. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist in a timely manner. And if you have any suspicious pain or heavy menstruation, do not delay visiting a doctor.

If you want to maintain your health and the ability to give birth to a strong baby, be attentive to your well-being and prudent. And then you do not have to fear to find out how endometriosis of the uterus is treated and how it can threaten the body. Be healthy!

The term "endometriosis", from the Latin "endometrium", means the tissue in the inner lining of the uterus. The disease occurs when tissue that looks and functions like endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus, usually inside the pelvic cavity.

This is a chronic disease that affects the reproductive organs of a woman. This happens when the endometrium, which normally lines the uterus from the inside, begins to grow on the outside. It often affects the abdominal organs, including the ovaries and pelvis. In some cases, endometrial tissues are found in other areas of the body.

According to various estimates, about 176 million women in the world face this medical problem between the ages of 15 and 49.

Endometrial tissue, which is outside the uterus, behaves during the menstrual cycle in much the same way as tissue inside the uterus. At the end of the cycle, when hormones affect the shedding of the lining tissue in the uterus, the endometrium outside of it begins to disintegrate and bleed. But while the menstrual fluid leaves the uterus with menstruation, the blood of the decaying endometrium has no way out. The tissues around the affected area become inflamed and swollen.

These abnormal areas of tissue can grow into what are known as "lesions," also known as "implants," "nodules," or "growths." The most common site for growths is a woman's ovaries.

Endometriosis according to its location is divided into genital and extragenital. Genital affects the reproductive organs of women - the ovaries and uterus. With extragenital endometriosis, other organs of the body, such as the bladder or intestines, and even the lungs, are affected by the growing endometrium.

Mild forms of endometriosis are the most common, may be asymptomatic, and sometimes do not require treatment. But you should know that this disease can be a source of moderate or severe pain during menstruation, as well as painful intercourse, and even an obstacle to a desired pregnancy.

Signs of endometriosis

The biggest problem is that any signs of illness in the early stages seem to be the body's natural reactions to the onset of the menstrual cycle.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which in women is often associated with menstrual cycles.

Although a large number of women constantly experience menstrual cramps with monthly peeling of the inner layer of the uterine wall, many women with endometriosis experience pain more than usual. According to the observations of doctors, patients usually complain that the pain increases with time.

Some signs of endometriosis:

• Painful periods. Cramps in the pelvic region and uterine cramps can disturb before and for some time after the onset of menstruation.
• Pain during intercourse. Pain during intercourse or after it is often a sign of internal appearance.
• Urination or defecation is painful. Often this occurs during menstruation.
• Profuse bleeding.
• Difficulties with conception. There are many cases when uterine endometriosis is diagnosed in women who initially applied to the clinic for infertility treatment.

It should be borne in mind that the intensity of pain is not always a sure sign of a late degree of the disease.

Some patients with a shallow degree of damage may suffer from sharp pain and spasms, while some women with advanced endometriosis feel little or no pain at all.

Symptoms of endometriosis

A significant number of women with endometriosis do not report pronounced symptoms. Even when symptoms do develop, they can vary, even women at different ages have different symptoms.

In general, it is believed that the larger the lesions, the more symptoms.

About one third of women with uterine endometriosis find that they are sick because they were unable to conceive and went to a specialist, or the endometriosis was discovered during surgery for another reason. Therefore, the severity of the disease and the number of symptoms are likely to be related to the location of the tissues, rather than their size and quantity.

The following symptoms of endometriosis can be distinguished:

Also, the patient may feel tired and lack of strength, anxiety, experience frequent mood swings. Such symptoms may be manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, however, together with the rest of the symptoms listed, they may indicate ovarian endometriosis.

Symptoms of endometriosis disappear with the onset of pregnancy. This, as doctors believe, is due to the progesterone produced by the body. After the birth of a child, the consequences of the disease remain unclear.

Causes of endometriosis

The causes of the disease cannot be precisely named. Some experts believe that pieces of the endometrium move back through the fallopian tubes and exit into the pelvic cavity, where the reproductive organs are located. Tissue cells settle on the surfaces of the genital organs. With the onset of menstruation, the tissue bleeds, as does the tissue in the uterus. The blood from these areas irritates the surrounding tissues on the organs, which become inflamed and swollen.

Because doctors don't know exactly what causes endometriosis, the possible causes or factors may vary from woman to woman.

1. Heredity. In women, among whose close relatives there are patients with endometriosis, the probability of the disease increases by 7-10 times. In addition, in the case of twins, both are more likely to have endometriosis, especially if they are identical twins.
2. Retrograde menses. When women have their period, blood flows from the vagina, but also in the opposite direction - into the pelvic cavity. In 90% of women, blood with endometrial tissues simply disintegrates or is absorbed and does not cause any symptoms; in women prone to endometriosis, endometrial tissue begins to grow.

Other likely causes of endometriosis include:

• menstruation lasting more than 5 days;
• profuse bleeding during menstruation;
• first menstruation up to 11 years;
• an interval of less than 26 days between periods;
• early pregnancy;
• underweight;
• alcohol consumption.

In some cases, endometriosis is misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to some other diseases of the ovaries or pelvic organs. The disease may resemble irritable bowel syndrome, which may be accompanied by endometriosis, which greatly complicates its detection.

To diagnose this disease, the doctor, first of all, finds out the patient's symptoms, specifies the location of the focus of pain and the time when it started.

A physical exam for endometriosis often consists of the following:

1. Examination at the gynecologist. A gynecological examination allows the doctor to feel areas in the rectum and vagina and determine
   the presence of anomalies. For example, there may be cysts on the reproductive organs.
2. Ultrasound. The ultrasound transducer is either pressed against the skin on the abdomen or inserted into the vagina. An ultrasound cannot 100% confirm whether a woman has endometriosis, but it does detect cysts.
3. Laparoscopy. This is a procedure performed by a surgeon and is most commonly used to detect and treat endometriosis. Under anesthesia, the patient makes a small incision in the navel area, where an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted. With it, the doctor is able to find tissues located outside the uterus. Laparoscopy provides information about the location, spread, and size of endometrial implants so that the doctor can determine the best treatment options.

Endometriosis is difficult to recognize and detect because pelvic pain, as the main symptom of the disease, is often an integral part of the menstrual cycle. And yet, a timely appeal to a gynecologist with the manifestation of any of the symptoms will help to diagnose the disease at an early stage of development and start treatment on time.

Treatment of endometriosis

There are no specific drugs that would be used in the treatment of the disease. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and
cure for infertility. Treatment occurs depending on the degree, symptoms and impact on the subsequent ability to become pregnant. If a woman suffers from severe pain, then hormone therapy may be used to reduce the level of estrogen in the body. If the patient wants to become pregnant, the doctor may prescribe infertility treatment or surgery.

Medical preparations

If you complain of severe pain or heavy bleeding, if you are not planning a pregnancy in the near future, then contraceptives or anti-inflammatory drugs can help control pain. Contraceptive hormones can keep tissues from growing further. If a woman has severe endometriosis, or if these remedies do not help, stronger hormonal therapy may be tried.

"Duphaston"

The most commonly used drugs in the hormonal treatment of endometriosis include Duphaston. It is a progestogen or the so-called synthetic progesterone. Its action is similar to that of progesterone, which is produced by the female ovaries. It is not known for sure how Duphaston eliminates endometrial implants, because, unlike other drugs used in the treatment of endometriosis, it does not stop menstruation and does not affect ovulation at a relatively low dosage. Presumably, Duphaston inhibits the growth of abnormally located endometrial cells, causing them to gradually die.

The dosage of the drug will largely depend on the technique of the gynecologist. A visit to this specialist during the treatment with Duphaston will require 6 to 8 weeks after the start of the course, since the doctor must observe how the treatment progresses.

Many women prefer the treatment of various diseases with folk remedies, but is it possible to treat endometriosis at home?
conditions?

Of course, it will not be possible to completely cure this disease with folk remedies, however, in order to control the severity of the disease and
To relieve the main symptoms of pain and heavy bleeding, some natural remedies can be tried.

1. Castor oil helps the body get rid of excess tissue and toxins. It should be used at the beginning of the menstrual period.
   cycle when spasms are just starting.
2. Massaging your pelvis and lower abdomen with lavender or sandalwood essential oil can help you relax and soothe minor aches and pains.
3. Turmeric. This spice contains a natural compound known as curcumin, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and hence can be used as a home remedy for the disease.
4. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation as well as swelling.
5. Dandelion. Dandelion decoction helps regulate hormone levels.

In addition to the use of various natural remedies, it is also necessary to monitor the lifestyle. For example, reduce the intake of fatty foods, pay enough attention to physical activity, walking and swimming. And also give up alcohol and smoking, avoid stressful situations.

It is worth remembering that not all women with endometriosis feel pain. And the degree of the disease does not always worsen over time.

After menopause and during pregnancy, the condition usually improves. If in women after 40 years of age the pain is barely perceptible, there are no plans for a future pregnancy, or the onset of menopause is expected, then there is no urgent need for treatment.

At home, treatment helps relieve pain, but the problem may remain. But even when visiting a gynecologist, the decision always remains with the patient.

Read more about endometriosis treatment

One of the pathologies of the female body included in the practice of gynecology is endometriosis, the symptoms and treatment of which can be determined and prescribed with full confidence only by a doctor. Endometriosis is characterized by a different manifestation and in the initial stages, the symptoms can be attributed to another disease.

When you need to contact a gynecologist, if his visit for a lady is not a permanent visit, as provided for every representative of the fair half once every six months. What symptoms clearly indicate endometriosis, the treatment of which requires a serious attitude of the patient and referral to an experienced specialist? Details in the article.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is only a female disease associated with her reproductive function. In a woman of reproductive age, if there are no gynecological pathologies, menstruation occurs every month, which is mucus accumulated in the uterus during the preparation of the genital organs for conception.

If fertilization does not occur, the process of renewal of the uterine mucosa, the so-called endometrium, starts, and the expulsion of the corpus luteum, dead egg and exfoliated endometrium from the uterine cavity and ovarian cavity. At the exit from the vagina, it looks like a total blood mass interspersed with clots, mucus. This is a normal process for a healthy woman.

But for reasons not fully established, in some women, the exfoliated endometrium not only comes out, as expected, but is also thrown into the internal organs. (fallopian tubes, on the walls of the uterus, into the abdominal cavity and beyond), where it attaches to the mucous walls of these organs and begins to grow (this is endometriosis). In gynecology, wandering endometrial tissues are commonly referred to as endometrioid heterotopias.

The situation is complicated by the fact that this wandering endometrium continues to function in the same way as in the reproductive organs during the menstrual cycle. More precisely, the tissue is regenerated throughout the cycle and at the time of menstruation, particles of the old endometrium (heterotopies) exfoliate and rush further, joining in the same organ or, together with the flow of blood or plasma, travels through the body.

Foci of endometriosis are found in the cavity of the lungs, kidneys, heart, eyes, on the nasal mucosa. Such reproduction of the endometrium throughout the body makes it difficult to diagnose and treat endometriosis, because the symptoms that patients complain about do not always indicate a gynecological problem.

The complexity of the treatment of endometriosis is that the symptoms may not appear immediately, but after a long time, when conservative treatment can only eliminate somatic symptoms. And overgrown tissue with endometriosis has to be removed surgically.

Wikipedia gives the following definition of what endometriosis is - it is "a gynecological disease in which the cells of the endometrium (uterine inner layer) grow outside this layer", that is, the endometrium of the uterus, where it should be by the nature of the structure of the female genital organs. Endometrioid tissue, referring to Wikipedia, is endowed with hormone receptors, like the inner layer of the walls of the uterus, and therefore undergoes the same changes expressed in monthly bleeding.

Only bleeding in endometriosis from heterotopia enters the cavity of the affected organs, causing certain symptoms - pain, an increase in the size of organs, adhesions in the abdominal cavity, with damage to the reproductive organs - infertility. These are complications of endometriosis.

Bleeding in endometriosis provokes an inflammatory process in the surrounding tissues.

Having understood what endometriosis is, you need to clearly understand what symptoms accompany endometriosis, so as not to miss the moment when the treatment will be effective.

Attention: Do not forget that endometriosis is dangerous for infertility or the impossibility of carrying a pregnancy, because endometrioid nodules will interfere with the development of the embryo or placenta.

Different forms of endometriosis cause different symptoms

Before talking about the symptoms and treatment of endometriosis, it is necessary to consider the types of endometriosis by location and degree of growth.

There are two classifications of endometriosis in gynecology according to the place of formation of endometrioid nodes:

Genital endometriosis

The tissue grows only in the genitals of a woman. Endometrium can settle only inside the uterus (internal genital endometriosis) or go beyond it and rush into other reproductive organs - fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, abdominal pelvic cavity (external genital endometriosis).

If we approach the issue of classification of genital endometriosis in more detail, then in gynecology there are the following terms:

• The defeat of the endometrium of the ovaries, pelvic cavity, fallopian tubes is defined as peritoneal endometriosis.
• The defeat of the vagina, cervix, rectovaginal septum is defined as extraperitoneal endometriosis.
• Attachment of nodules directly to the walls of the uterus is called internal endometriosis or adenomyosis. A symptom of such localization of heterotopias is an increase in the size of the uterus until the gestational age of five or six weeks, although there was no fertilization. In this case, some ladies perceive the growth of the endometrium as a banal weight gain, although the situation is much more complicated.

Extragenital endometriosis

The endometrium with the flow of blood or lymph scatters throughout the body and they can be found in the most unexpected places that have nothing to do with the genitals. Endometriosis is formed in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, in the upper respiratory tract.

Quite often, gynecologists diagnose a mixed form of endometriosis, when there are pathological changes in the reproductive organs and in systems far from the sexual one.

Usually these are the advanced stages of endometriosis, when the woman simply ignored the symptoms of endometriosis and did not seek treatment, or the symptoms of endometriosis were hidden until a certain point and the lady felt great. Although during a preventive examination by a gynecologist, the visual symptoms of endometriosis still appear, and if the gynecologist suspects a disease, the patient is prescribed an additional examination and the necessary treatment.

In addition to the classification of endometriosis by location, there is a gradation of pathology according to the degree of growth of endometrioid nodes:

A separate classification has intrauterine endometriosis (adenomyosis), because the degree of growth in the walls of the uterus have a different degree. Sometimes the treatment of endometriosis involves the complete removal of the uterus to avoid degeneration into malignant tumors.

Signs of endometriosis are clearly manifested in the premenstrual period, a few days before the onset of menstruation. Some ladies consider this the norm, because from adolescence they experience pain during menstruation and do not seek treatment. But the symptoms of pain in endometriosis are stronger and can be expressed by attacks that cannot be stopped even by strong analgesics.

Important: To remove the symptom of pain in endometriosis is possible only with special treatment, which is provided for endometriosis.

The main symptoms of endometriosis

There are different symptoms of endometriosis that patients report at the doctor's office. But they talk about them only at the moment when endometriosis is already in an advanced stage and serious treatment of endometriosis is required.

At the initial stage of endometriosis, there are no specific symptoms indicating this particular gynecological disease. Specific symptoms may appear only when endometriosis progresses to the second, third or fourth degree of endometriosis. What to look for:

Symptoms of endometriosis are presented in a single manifestation or in a complex. Depends on the localization of endometriosis and the degree of progression of gynecological pathology. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment of endometriosis and the complete elimination of the problem is possible.

What triggers the development of endometriosis

Research into the causes leading to improper disposal of waste material of the menstrual cycle is still ongoing. There are several theories that cannot be recognized as the only true ones, but it is worth knowing about them:

1. One of the assumptions regarding the causes of endometriosis is the theory of retrograde menstruation. Most physicians tend to justify this justification. The bottom line is that at the moment of expulsion of exfoliated tissue, part of the endometrium rushes not into the vaginal cavity, but in the other direction, more precisely, into the cavity of the fallopian tubes or the abdominal cavity. Under favorable conditions, the endometrium is attached to the walls of organs and continues to exist cyclically. In the absence of pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, hemorrhage occurs, only not outward, as provided by nature, but in the same cavity where the exfoliated endometrium from the uterus fell under the prevailing conditions. Inflammation appears due to the presence of foreign tissue in the organ, particles of the endometrium with blood. The phenomenon of retrograde menstruation may be present in a woman, but certain conditions become the impetus for the development of endometriosis - heredity from the mother, the physiological structure of the fallopian tubes, depression, and decreased immunity.
2. The second theory is inclined to believe that the cause of the development of endometriosis is a gene mutation.. There is an assumption that in the genes of some people there are rudiments of endometriosis, which, under certain conditions, are activated and lead to serious female pathology. There is no practical evidence for this.
3. The third theory is based on the fact that during embryonic development, part of the endometrium from the uterus enters the body of the future girl and eventually manifests itself in the form of endometriosis.

Regardless of what exactly is the root cause of such a complex process leading to the disease, the factors that help trigger this mechanism are well established:

• Any inflammatory processes in the genital tract that have frequent episodes, but without proper treatment.
• Instrumental interventions in the female reproductive system, for example, turnover and other operations, treatment methods.
• Severe birth process requiring treatment.
• Tumors, malignant or benign, in the area of ​​the uterus or other reproductive organs, the treatment of which did not give a positive result.
• Anemia, the treatment of which requires a separate approach.
• Addiction to alcohol, tobacco.
• Hypothermia.
• Colds and viral diseases, the treatment of which has not been completed.
• Pathologies in the endocrine system, for example, dysfunction of the thyroid gland or other glandular organs responsible for the synthesis of hormones.
• Weakened immunity.
• Autoimmune diseases.

Important: Finding the exact cause of endometriosis is difficult, but you need to pay attention to the symptoms in order for the medical treatment of endometriosis to be effective.

The key to effective treatment of endometriosis is correct and timely diagnosis.

Gynecologists constantly urge women to check up twice a year so as not to miss the symptoms of a serious gynecological pathology. In the case of endometriosis, this is doubly true, because endometrial damage to various organs is considered one of the most serious and dangerous diseases of a woman, who do not always have vivid symptoms and can be treated due to a late visit to the doctor.

The following diagnostic procedures are required to confirm and treat endometriosis indicated by symptoms:

1. Examination by a gynecologist on an examination chair using special instruments. It is better to conduct such a study on the eve of menstruation.
2. Collection of biomaterial from the genital organs during colposcopy and hysterosalpingoscopy.
3. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and abdominal cavity to clarify the place of attachment of the endometrium and the overall clinical picture to select a method for treating endometriosis.
4. Radiography of the fallopian tubes and uterus to determine endometriosis in the cavity of these organs and the degree of their reproduction.
5. Computer or magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body to detect endometriosis foci not only in the reproductive system, but also in other organs and tissues.
6. Laparoscopy to examine the focus of endometriosis and assess the prospects for treatment.
7. Special blood tests for markers of various types of tumors (malignant, benign). If there are foci of endometriosis in the body, then the indicators of these studies will be exceeded.

If the listed methods of research on endometriosis are not enough to make an accurate diagnosis, shape, size and localization of the endometrium, the gynecologist will suggest additional procedures.

Principles of treatment of endometriosis

The treatment of endometriosis is complex and complex, but the choice of technique depends on the specific condition of the patient, the symptoms of endometriosis, her age, the presence of children, the general physical form, the presence of a history of surgical interventions in the female genital organs, the neglect of the disease and the desired result.

There are the following ways to treat endometriosis:

• Medical- it is used for symptoms of the initial stage of endometriosis, when the foci are not widely localized or the nodules have not reached such sizes that they block the functions of the affected organs. If the goal of treatment for symptoms is to preserve the ability to become pregnant, doctors gradually prescribe different types of drugs that should stop the progressing process of endometriosis. The phase of ovulation can be blocked for a while so that menstruation does not occur, then the foci of endometriosis will not pour out blood in the wrong place and continue to multiply, the symptoms of endometriosis may disappear. Hormone therapy comes first in medical treatment. The production of the female hormone estrogen and the process of ovulation are suppressed. Treatment with hormonal drugs lasts from 3 to 8 months to exclude the casting of a new batch of endometrial tissue. There may be side effects from treatment. Together with hormones for endometriosis, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunostimulants are prescribed to boost natural immunity and remove pain symptoms.

• Surgery it is assumed if medical treatment is not enough or foci of endometriosis reach a diameter of 3 cm and this is a serious threat to a woman. In surgical treatment, preference is given to laparoscopy, if it is necessary to preserve the woman's childbearing function. The surgeon locally removes endometrioid nodes, which relieves inflammation and relieves pain symptoms with proper treatment. If endometriosis has reached grade IV, then complete removal of the uterus, overlapping of the fallopian tubes is required in order to save the woman's life and remove the source of the cyclic functioning of the endometrium in different parts of the body. This stops the menstrual cycle and the progression of endometriosis too.

Important: You should not treat endometriosis on your own, because only a doctor can choose a treatment regimen based on the clinical picture of a particular patient.

Endometriosis is a very serious gynecological disease that radically changes a woman's life if you do not see a doctor in a timely manner. Do not forget that the symptoms of endometriosis may be sluggish or completely absent until complications appear.

Finally

Endometriosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in detail in the article, may not disturb a woman if she monitors her health and takes preventive measures by visiting a gynecologist once every six months.

At the initial stage, the treatment of endometriosis is effective even with hormone therapy and the childbearing function does not suffer from this. Pregnancy passes calmly under the strict supervision of a gynecologist.

Endometriosis is an inflammatory process in which cells of the epithelial layer lining the inner surface of the uterus grow outside the organ. Doctors consider hormonal disorders to be the main cause of the pathology. In most women, endometriosis develops as a result of a lack or, conversely, an increased synthesis of estrogen, the main female hormone that regulates the activity of the reproductive system, reproductive organs and is responsible for the appearance of skin, nails and hair.

To determine which hormone caused pathological changes in the epithelium, diagnostic curettage is performed. The resulting material is sent for histological examination, according to the results of which the woman is prescribed treatment. It is necessary to start therapy for this disease as early as possible, since various gynecological diseases, breakthrough uterine bleeding and infertility can be a complication of chronic endometriosis. To do this, it is important to know the symptoms and signs of pathology.

Endometriosis does not have severe clinical symptoms, so it is impossible to diagnose the disease without a special examination. Even an examination on a chair with a gynecological speculum does not always allow you to determine the pathological growth of endometrial cells, so the symptoms of the disease must be treated very carefully. It is important to tell your doctor about all the existing disorders, because endometriosis is characterized by a combination of four signs that appear in almost every woman with endometriosis.

Infertility

The diagnosis of "infertility" is made if pregnancy does not occur after a year of regular intercourse without the use of contraceptive methods. The main reason for the lack of pregnancy in endometriosis is the anatomical changes in the endometrium, in which it becomes impossible to attach and maintain a fertilized egg. Hormonal disruptions that cause pathological growth and changes in the structure of the endometrium affect the synthesis of hormones necessary for the development of pregnancy.

If the cells of the epithelial layer go beyond the organ (into the ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, etc.), adhesions can form in the space of the fallopian tubes - compacted areas of connective tissue that connect two or more organs. The adhesive process causes obstruction of the fallopian tube - one of the causes of infertility in internal endometriosis.

Note! Chronic endometriosis negatively affects the state of the immune system and inhibits its activity. Even if pregnancy occurs, the probability of its termination or fetal fading will be very high - more than 65%.

Pain syndrome

Pain in endometriosis can have a different character, intensity and localization. Acute pain, usually cutting or stabbing, is localized in the lower abdomen. Chronic pain can be dull, pulling. Their intensity is usually moderate, so most women do not pay attention to them, taking this symptom for manifestations of premenstrual syndrome or the result of increased stress.

Chronic pain in endometriosis can be aggravated by the following factors:

• intimacy;
• menstrual flow;
• weight lifting.

Important! Pain in chronic endometriosis is easily stopped by painkillers, so many people ignore this symptom. The hallmark is a constant, chronic course, that is, the symptom weakens or disappears while the drug is in effect, after which the soreness returns.

Bleeding

In almost all cases of endometriosis, regardless of its location, a woman is concerned about contact spotting that appears after sexual intimacy. If the lesion has affected the organs of the genitourinary system or the intestines, drops of blood or blood streaks may be found in the urine or feces.

Not abundant bleeding with a pronounced pain syndrome is noted a few days before the onset of menstruation (about 4-5 days). Blood smearing usually lasts 1-3 days, after which it disappears, and after 24-48 hours the woman begins menstruation.

Menstruation may be accompanied by the formation of dark scarlet or brown blood clots. Their size can reach several centimeters, and their appearance is somewhat reminiscent of a raw liver. By themselves, clots are not a symptom of endometriosis, as they can also occur with other pathologies (for example, endometrial hyperplasia), but in combination with other signs, pathological growth of epithelial cells can almost certainly be suspected.

Irregular menstrual cycle

Women with this disease always have menstrual irregularities. These include:

• constant cycle fluctuations;
• lack of menstruation for several months in a row;
• heavy and prolonged menstruation (menorrhagia).

In case of any cycle failures, women should immediately consult a doctor, since in the absence of timely treatment, the risk of serious consequences and complications will be very high. Untreated endometriosis can lead to the formation of benign tumors, infertility, and inflammatory processes.

Signs and symptoms of different types of endometriosis

sign	Internal endometriosis	The external form of the pathology (the walls of the vagina and the cervix are affected)	Cystic ovarian masses
Painful spotting before menstruation	Yes	No	Yes
Breaking the cycle	Yes	Yes	Yes
Isolation of blood during or after intimacy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Menorrhagia (heavy menstruation that lasts more than 7 days)	Yes	No	No
Pain in the lower abdomen during intercourse or menstruation	Yes	Yes	No
No pregnancy within 1 year without contraception	Yes	Yes	In most cases

The role of the psychological factor in diagnosis

Almost 80% of women with chronic forms of endometriosis have psychological problems. They are prone to depressive disorders, psychosis, their emotional state is disturbed, and there is a tendency to sudden mood swings. Some women may completely lose interest in the events taking place around. They cease to monitor their appearance, reduce communication with friends and loved ones, and avoid appearing in public places.

A distinctive symptom of pathology (subject to the presence of other clinical manifestations) is anxiety, unreasonable fear. In severe cases, panic attacks may occur.

Important! Some women start taking sedatives to cope with the psychological problems that arise. It is important to understand that such treatment will give a short-term result, since the cause of the pathology will not go anywhere.

How does the disease manifest itself in older women?

Some mistakenly believe that endometriosis is a disease of women of reproductive age. Pathological growth of the endometrium beyond the epithelial layer can occur at any age, and in women over 45 years of age, the risk of developing the disease is several times higher, since progesterone production is blocked after menopause. Other factors that are often found in older women can also contribute to the occurrence of pathology. These include:

• excess body weight;
• diabetes;
• disorders in the thyroid gland;
• a large number of infectious diseases in history;
• transferred operations (regardless of the localization of the pathological process).

Elderly women with endometriosis often experience headaches, dizziness, and bouts of nausea. In severe cases, single vomiting is possible. The pain syndrome is usually mild or moderate in intensity, exacerbations are rare. The psychological state of a woman also differs from normal indicators: irritability, aggression towards others, tearfulness appear.

Important! A hallmark of the disease during menopause are spotting. They can be mild (blood smearing) or voluminous - in this case we are talking about bleeding. This clinical picture is typical for endometriosis of the uterus.

Endometriosis of the ovaries: signs

The result of endometriosis is the appearance of cystic formations. The main symptom in this pathology will be pain, which is most often permanent and intensifies after intense exercise or intimacy. Menstruation with endometriosis of the ovaries is painful, the use of drugs often does not bring significant relief.

It is possible to distinguish ovarian endometriosis from other forms of the disease by the characteristic shooting pain in the perineum, rectum and lumbar region. There is a pain syndrome at any time of the day and does not depend on the physical activity of the woman. At night, when the muscles and ligaments are relaxed, the pain may be more intense.

Endometriosis of the cervix: the clinical picture of the disease

The defeat of the cervical part of the uterine body is the only form of endometriosis in which there is practically no pain (in rare cases, the pain can be slightly pronounced). This is due to the fact that there are no nerve endings and pain receptors on the neck. Pathology can be suspected by uncharacteristic spotting in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Blood smearing can also be observed before the onset of menstruation - it usually lasts 2-3 days and does not cause discomfort, unlike internal endometriosis.

Symptoms of internal endometriosis

On ultrasound, the doctor detects nodular formations on the surface of the uterus, which indicate the development of pathology. During palpation of the uterus, severe pain appears. In the period between menstruation, the pain is localized mainly in the lower abdomen, has an acute character. The intensity of sensations increases during sexual contact and lifting heavy objects. If during this period to examine the blood of a woman, you can notice signs of anemia, which are associated with constant bleeding.

Symptoms of the disease after caesarean section

Delivery by caesarean section is considered a simple operation (in terms of technique), but it is important that it is performed by a qualified surgeon. It is also worth checking with the doctor what kind of material will be used for suturing, as some types of surgical threads can cause itching, discomfort in the suture area and increase the risk of gynecological pathologies.

Growth of epithelial cells in the area of ​​the suture and postoperative scar occurs in 20% of cases. Pathological changes in the body of a woman after a cesarean section can be suspected by the following symptoms:

• poor healing of the scar surface;
• release of brown liquid from the seam;
• severe itching in the area of ​​suturing;
• palpation of nodules under the seams;
• severe pulling pain in the lower abdomen.

If these signs are found, a woman is advised to contact the antenatal clinic to the doctor who conducted the pregnancy. In some cases, hospitalization may be required to exclude suppuration and inflammation of the sutures, so pathological symptoms should not be ignored.

Diagnosis of the disease

Endometriosis refers to diseases that are difficult to diagnose due to a blurred clinical picture, since the pathology has signs and symptoms that are characteristic of most gynecological diseases. Even during the examination, it is not always possible to determine the presence of pathology. The doctor will be able to suspect endometriosis during palpation of the vagina and rectum if nodules or cysts are found.

As a rule, one examination and palpation is not enough to diagnose the disease, so the doctor will definitely prescribe additional procedures, for example, ultrasound of the pelvic organs. The examination can be performed abdominally (through the skin of the abdomen) or using a vaginal ultrasound probe that is inserted into the vagina. Ultrasound is not a 100% informative method for diagnosing endometriosis, but with the help of this examination, the presence of cystic cavities can be detected.

If in doubt, the woman will undergo a laparoscopy. This operation is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia and can be used not only for the purpose of diagnosis, but also for the treatment of pathology. Laparoscopy rarely causes complications, but to prevent the consequences, it is important to observe sexual rest after the procedure (at least 2-4 weeks).

Endometriosis is not a dangerous pathology, but it can have a very negative impact on a woman's reproductive health, so the disease should be treated as early as possible. Symptoms and signs of endometriosis cannot be called specific, so you should consult a doctor for any deterioration in women's health. The totality of the triad of clinical manifestations - pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, infertility - almost always indicates endometrial pathology, therefore, with an early visit to the doctor, the disease can be completely cured.

Video - Endometriosis: causes, symptoms, treatment

is a disease of the female reproductive system of a hormone-dependent type.

This disease is characterized by the growth of the endometrium - the mucous membrane of the uterus - in other parts of the female body.

According to experts, endometriosis of the uterus is a widespread gynecological disease, ranking third in terms of prevalence after uterine fibroids and various inflammations of the female genital organs.

As a rule, this disease affects the body of women in reproductive age. The peak incidence of endometriosis occurs after the age of forty, mainly the disease manifests itself in women from 40 to 44 years. Endometriosis is more common in women who have not given birth. However, this disease today also manifests itself in girls who are in adolescence. Another feature of endometriosis is that in women who have had several births, the disease manifests itself less frequently than in nulliparous patients. The disease can also occur in women after a menstrual break.

pathogenesis (what happens)

At in the uterus there is the formation of nodes that resemble the inner lining of the uterus. Such nodes can be located both in the uterus and outside it. This ailment is a benign tumor-like disease and manifests itself in women due to atypical growth and further functioning of endometrial cells (the so-called inner lining of the uterus).

Classification of endometriosis

Specialists classify endometriosis according to the localization of this pathology. Considering this factor, genital endometriosis , , external endometriosis , and peritoneal , extragenital And extraperitoneal endometriosis . With internal genital endometriosis, the endometrium grows in the cervix and uterine canal. With extragenital endometriosis, cells of the uterine mucosa grow in the kidneys, bladder, intestines, lungs, and also in scars after operations. With peritoneal extragenital endometriosis, damage occurs ovaries , pelvic peritoneum , fallopian tubes . With the extraperitoneal form of the disease, endometriosis grows in the external genital organs. Allocate "small" and severe forms of the disease. In severe forms, the disease develops if the patient does not undergo appropriate treatment on time. From how deep the affected areas are, four stages of the disease are distinguished: minimum , light , moderate , heavy . The most difficult to cure the last stage of endometriosis.

Causes of endometriosis

To date, experts have made several assumptions regarding the causes of endometriosis. Today there is a so-called theory retrograde menstruation . According to this theory, the blood secreted during menstruation and containing parts of the endometrium quite often ends up in the fallopian tubes and the abdominal cavity. This is the so-called phenomenon of retrograde menstruation. When cells enter these organs, they can be cauterized. After that, the cells of the uterine mucosa begin to function as their purpose requires: they prepare for the implantation of the embryo. If conception does not occur, then the main part of the mucous membrane comes out of the uterus during menstruation. But from other organs, the exit of the endometrium is impossible. Consequently, a small hemorrhage occurs in the organs, causing inflammation. In view of this, women with retrograde periods are in risk group. To find out if retrograde menstruation is taking place, it is enough to undergo an examination and consultation with a gynecologist.

However, endometriosis of the uterus affects not every woman with a similar feature of menstruation. It is generally accepted that the main characteristics that significantly increase the predisposition to this disease are the following. First, it is a certain structure fallopian tubes , which is easy to detect during the examination. Secondly, the presence of a hereditary factor plays an important role. Thirdly, the appearance of endometriosis contributes to the violation of the functions of the immune system of the woman's body.

They started talking about the genetic factor after the research of scientists from Ireland. It has been proven that in women whose close relatives suffer from endometriosis, the likelihood of its manifestation increases five times. In view of this, during examination and consultation, specialists will definitely find out if there were any cases of this disease among the patient's relatives.

However, other factors mentioned also increase the likelihood of the disease. So, in case of violations in the work of the immune system, which maintains the normal state of tissues in the body, a similar one may occur. If the immune system is normal, then it can have a destructive effect on deviations in the functioning of the body, which include the growth of the endometrium outside the uterine lining. When the immune system fails, other systems also fail. To detect the development of the disease as early as possible will allow regular preventive examinations.

So, as the causes of endometriosis, doctors determine the tendency to a genetic disease, as well as a violation of the hormonal balance in the female body. However, there are also other theories, such as implantation theory . In this case, it is assumed that the parts of the endometrium that were torn away, in some situations ( , childbirth,) can settle on the ovaries, peritoneum, tubes and provoke the onset of the disease. Also, as provoking factors, doctors determine , malnutrition, a number of general diseases, improper functioning of the endocrine glands, infections of the genital organs.

To date, one of the most common causes of endometriosis are surgical interventions ever performed in the uterus. This , , cauterization and other procedures. In view of this, after such operations, it is necessary to undergo examinations with a doctor with a clear regularity.

Symptoms of endometriosis

With endometriosis, a woman usually complains of very painful periods, regular pain in the lower abdomen, fatigue and weakness, headache, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. In this case, the patient often cannot become pregnant.

It is important to consider that the symptoms of endometriosis can be very different. Their manifestations directly depend on the individual characteristics of the patient's body. Very rarely, this disease is generally asymptomatic, therefore, it can only be diagnosed if you undergo a regular examination by a doctor. However, as a rule, certain symptoms of this disease still occur. Pain is the main symptom of endometriosis. In most patients, pain manifests itself in various forms. Another common symptom of the disease is this. This symptom is maximally manifested on the first or third day of menstruation. This symptom is associated with menstrual bleeding in cyst and, accordingly, an increase in pressure in the cyst. Also, dysmenorrhea can occur due to retrograde menstruation and irritation in the peritoneum. It can also manifest itself as a result of active production, causing vasospasm and strong contractions in the uterus. Pain during the days of menstruation is also manifested due to touching nearby organs with an endometrioid focus. In addition to the symptoms described, with endometriosis, dark brown discharge may appear, which persists for several days after menstruation.

A certain number of women complain of pelvic pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle. It occurs due to secondary inflammation in those organs that have been affected by endometriosis. Symptoms of endometriosis can also be painful during intercourse. Most often, a similar symptom occurs in women with affected endometriosis. vagina , rectovaginal septum , recto-uterine space . There are also pains in the lower back, menstruation is irregular, but they are especially plentiful.

The second unpleasant symptom of this disease is impossibility of conception. manifests itself in 25-40% of affected women. To date, all the causes of infertility in endometriosis have not been fully elucidated. Obviously, there are changes in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, which provoked endometriosis, and ultimately does not occur. The second reason for the impossibility of conception with this disease is a malfunction of the immune system. Endometriosis can similarly affect the regularity of ovulation, and then pregnancy will not occur due to disturbances in the ovulation process that accompany this disease. Another symptom of endometriosis is menorrhagia . However, this symptom of the disease is less common than the main symptoms.

Diagnosis of endometriosis

In the process of making a diagnosis, an examination and all the necessary procedures under the guidance of a doctor of a certain profile are very important. First of all, when diagnosing, you should undergo an initial examination by a gynecologist. Next, the doctor interviews the patient in detail to find out the nature of the pain, to find out what gynecological diseases she had before, whether the appropriate surgical interventions have ever been given. Also, the specialist should find out information about gynecological diseases of the patient's relatives.

Further, in the process of making a diagnosis, the following methods are used: a gynecological examination is performed using a mirror, an ultrasound examination of the organs in the small pelvis, rectovaginal , rectal examination , colposcopy , laparoscopy , hysteroscopy . It is the last two procedures that are the most commonly used methods for the diagnosis of endometriosis of the uterus. They should only be performed in a clinical setting. Pelvic pain, which lasts for more than six months, is the main indication for the use of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.

Most patients with this disease have an increase in the uterus, usually moderate. Also, in a certain part of the patients (in about 15-20% of cases), fixed And unfixed bending of the uterus . In the process of diagnosis, in some patients, the presence of nodules in the posterior fornix is ​​determined, provoking the onset of pain. To assess whether there are similar phenomena in the rectovaginal septum, a rectovaginal examination is performed. During a study aimed at examining the fallopian tubes and ovaries, the specialist determines whether these organs are enlarged, whether they are motionless, and whether pain occurs. During colposcopy and hysteroscopy, the specialist receives the material used for the biopsy. It is they who are considered an effective addition to endoscopic examination methods and contribute to determining the correct method of therapy.

Treatment of endometriosis

When choosing an adequate treatment method, the specialist takes into account many factors, including the age of the patient, the presence of pregnancy in the past, the characteristics of the disease at this stage. The doctor should assess how pronounced the symptoms of endometriosis are, whether this disease is combined with other inflammatory processes, whether it is necessary to work on restoring the woman's reproductive function.

There are currently several effective treatments for endometriosis. So, depending on the above points, experts suggest the use of a conservative medical method for the treatment of endometriosis, as well as surgical methods. During the operation, an organ-preserving method (laparoscopy and laparotomy) can be used, with the help of which only the foci of the disease are removed and the organs are preserved. In some cases, a radical method is shown in which the uterus and ovaries are removed. A combination of these methods of treatment is also used.

So, conservative therapy is used if the disease is asymptomatic, in the permenopausal period, with infertility , adenomyosis , endometriosis to restore fertility. For this, the patient is assigned a course hormonal , anti-inflammatory , desensitizing And symptomatic funds. However, the main component of such treatment is considered to be precisely hormone therapy . It is important to consider that only a long course of drug treatment guarantees the effect of such therapy. During treatment, regular monitoring by the treating specialist is indicated.

Treatment of endometriosis is carried out after a doctor's examination and the appointment of the funds necessary for the course of therapy. However, in parallel, it is possible to apply the treatment of endometriosis with folk remedies, because many years of experience in treating the disease has become the basis for the emergence of a number of such folk recipes.

The doctors

Medications

Treatment of endometriosis folk remedies

There is an opinion that endometriosis can be effectively treated with clay. For this, it is advisable to use blue or gray clay, because it is these varieties that have more pronounced healing qualities. It is important that the clay is clean, without impurities of sand or earth. Clay needs to be ground in a basin and pour a little water - it should only cover the clay. The basin should be left overnight so that the mixture becomes as soft as possible. In the morning, the liquid that remains above the clay must be drained, and the remaining clay must be kneaded until a homogeneous mass of sour cream consistency is eventually formed. Before that, a little bee venom can be added to the clay.

About half a kilogram of clay should be put in a saucepan and heated. It is advisable to do this in a water bath, because clay can overheat on fire. Transfer the mass to cellophane or oilcloth and make a cake, the thickness of which will be about three centimeters. This cake should be applied to the stomach in the place between the navel and the pubis. On top, you should wrap the body with a warm scarf or blanket and keep a warm cake for about two hours. After this time, the cake should be removed and the stomach washed well. After the session, it is recommended to make several rotational movements in the abdomen in both directions.

Sessions should be repeated every day, the course of treatment is from five to eight procedures. It is important to consider that every day you need to soak a new clay.

Beetroot juice can be used to treat endometriosis during painful periods. Squeezed juice, which must stand for four hours before drinking, should be drunk 50-100 ml twice or thrice a day. At first, you should use a smaller dose, gradually it increases. It should be noted that when taking large doses of juice in the early days, you can get indigestion. If desired, beetroot juice can be mixed with carrot juice.

For resorption endometriotic adhesions some exercises of physiotherapy exercises are recommended, in particular the “fish” exercise. To perform it, lie on your stomach and stretch your arms forward. In turn, you need to raise one or the other leg, alternating this with raising both legs. Ten lifts of each leg and both legs should be performed. Every day you need to do three approaches. After a month of such exercises, the woman's well-being improves significantly.

With endometriosis, menstruation becomes especially plentiful, so large blood loss provokes iron deficiency anemia. To prevent it, it is important to adhere to , which involves the use of red meat, fish, pomegranate, buckwheat, rosehip broth. At the same time, coffee consumption should be limited.

The treatment of endometriosis with the help of manual therapy is also practiced. Treatment with leeches affects the woman's body in a complex way, correcting the functioning of all systems. The saliva of leeches has painkiller , anti-inflammatory , immunomodulatory impact.

Treatment of endometriosis with herbs

In addition, there is a practice of treating endometriosis with herbs. The use of herbal medicine helps to restore the hormonal balance in the body, increase immunity, stimulate the protective forces of the female body, prevent the development of inflammatory processes, and also normalizes the activity of a number of organs and systems.

There are many herbs that can help relieve endometriosis. In this case, means are often used to restrain bleeding (horsetail, hare cabbage, wormwood, celery, tansy, oregano, yarrow). Women suffering from endometriosis are advised to consume as much variety of greens as possible - parsley, dandelion, spinach, celery, broccoli. In addition, infusions of oat straw and barley are useful.

Herbal preparations are used to treat endometriosis. To prepare one of them, you should take one tablespoon of yarrow leaves, mint, chamomile nettle, medicinal beetle, raspberry and elderberry flowers. To the collection you need to add two tablespoons of marshmallow and sage herbs. A mixture of herbs should be poured with two liters of boiling water and the collection should be insisted for two hours. After straining the broth, you need to take it four times a day, one glass half an hour before eating. The rest of the decoction can be used in the process of douching. A similar course of treatment should be continued for two weeks, and after ten days it can be repeated. However, when preparing the collection, it should be taken into account that the bead significantly reduces . Therefore, sick hypotension it should not be added to the collection.

In the treatment of endometriosis with herbs, a decoction of stinging nettle is often used. To do this, two tablespoons of grass should be poured with one glass of boiling water and heated in a water bath for 15 minutes. It is necessary to add another glass of water to the broth and take half a glass of it before meals. The decoction should be drunk three to five times a day.

According to the same scheme, you can prepare a decoction of the mountaineer pepper ( ). However, this decoction should be taken one tablespoon three to four times a day. If the decoction turned out to be bitter and brown, then it is enough to drink it 30-40 drops three times a day.

Use for the treatment of endometriosis and shepherd's purse grass. To prepare the infusion, a tablespoon of chopped herbs should be poured with one glass of boiling water. Dishes with infusion should be wrapped and wait about one hour. You need to take the infusion one tablespoon before meals 3-4 times a day.

Both shepherd's purse and water pepper have the ability to increase the contractility of the uterus. Therefore, it is advisable to drink these infusions during menstruation. In addition, all of these herbs can be periodically added to food (in salads, soups). This should be done for several months, periodically changing the composition of herbs in order to eliminate the addiction of the body.

There are other recipes for treating endometriosis with herbs. You can take about 50 g of dry cucumber lashes, chop them and pour 0.5 liters of water. The mixture should be boiled for five minutes, after which it is infused for about one more hour. Means drink three times a day for half a glass.

To prepare another decoction, crushed viburnum bark is used, which should be boiled for ten minutes. For a decoction, one tablespoon of bark and one glass of boiling water are taken. The decoction is drunk two tablespoons three times a day.

In addition, the treatment of endometriosis with folk remedies involves not only taking them orally, but also douching. For this purpose, you can use a decoction of star anise root. It is prepared as follows: star anise root should be crushed, take three tablespoons of the mass and pour it into 500 ml of boiling water. Boil star anise for fifteen minutes, over very low heat, filter after twenty minutes. Add the same amount of water to the decoction and use it for douching.

For douching with endometriosis, an infusion of celandine is also used. To do this, pour one tablespoon of celandine herbs with 500 ml of boiling water and heat in a water bath for ten minutes. After straining, add the same amount of water. Similarly, a decoction of crushed oak bark is prepared, but the mixture should be boiled for twenty minutes.

In addition, traditional medicine recommends that women put tampons soaked in medicinal infusions. A tampon is made from a bandage: for this, the bandage is folded into several layers, rolled into a bag and tied, leaving a convenient tail for extraction.

Tampons with eucalyptus and calendula are considered an effective method. To do this, it is necessary to prepare an oil extract of these medicinal plants. 100g of eucalyptus leaves need to be mashed and pour 200ml of warmed olive oil. Twenty more calendula flowers should be dipped into this solution. The container must be closed very tightly and put in heat for 20 days.

Another effective method of treating endometriosis is therapeutic baths. Twice a week it is recommended to take a bath with an infusion of oat straw. To do this, a full liter jar of oat straw is poured with five liters of boiling water and insisted for two hours. The infusion must be filtered and poured into a bath, which must be taken for half an hour.

Prevention of endometriosis

To prevent endometriosis, it is imperative to undergo regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist. Particular attention should be paid to this rule for women and girls suffering from too strong menstrual pain, which can be a symptom of endometriosis. It is important to undergo preventive examinations after an abortion or other surgical intervention in the uterus. To prevent the occurrence of endometriosis, all inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, including chronic ones, should be promptly cured. Tests aimed at determining the level of hormones that directly affect the work of both the immune system and other systems in the body will also help prevent the disease.

Since the disease significantly affects the quality of life of a woman, all points should be taken into account to help prevent its occurrence. First of all, those women whose female relatives had endometriosis should be especially vigilant. Obesity should not be tolerated: a healthy diet and regular exercise reduce the risk of this disease. Regular stressful situations should be avoided, alcohol and coffee should not be abused, abortions should not be allowed, as a result of which endometriosis often develops. In addition, both folk and traditional medicine indicate that the most effective means of preventing endometriosis is and childbirth.

Women who notice a reduction in the monthly cycle, a metabolic failure and, accordingly, a sharp weight gain, should pay special attention to preventive measures. Also, examinations and consultations with a doctor should be regularly carried out by those women who use intrauterine contraceptives, those who are already thirty years old, and also regularly smokers.