Endometriosis | Adenomyosis
Endometriosis
Diagnosis & causes
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Lesions are often found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Typical symptoms include severe menstrual pain, chronic lower abdominal pain, and pain during sexual intercourse. Because the symptoms are nonspecific, the disease often remains undetected for a long time.
An important aspect is the link to infertility. Up to 40% of affected women have difficulty getting pregnant. There are many causes: adhesions and cysts can block the fallopian tubes, egg quality can be impaired, and chronic inflammation changes the environment in the abdominal cavity and the uterine lining. All of this makes fertilization and implantation more difficult.
Treatment options
Therapies are tailored to the symptoms and the desire to have children. Surgical procedures can remove lesions and adhesions, thereby improving the chances of pregnancy. If this is not sufficient, assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. Early diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and support from specialized centers are crucial.
In addition to the medical challenges, the emotional strain caused by pain, delayed diagnosis, and unfulfilled desire to have children is considerable. This makes education, understanding, and a holistic treatment approach that takes both quality of life and fertility into account all the more important.
Adenomyosis
Diagnosis & causes
Adenomyosis is a benign change in the uterus in which cells from the uterine lining grow into the muscle wall. This can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and in some cases, reduced fertility. The altered structure of the uterus can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. The diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment options
Treatment options range from drug therapy to surgical procedures, depending on the symptoms and the desire to have children. An individual assessment is crucial to ensure the best chances of pregnancy. In general, adenomyosis poses a major challenge in fertility treatment.