How does endometriosis affect women’s health. What are the most effective treatments for endometriosis pain. Can hormonal therapies help manage endometriosis symptoms. Is surgery a viable option for severe endometriosis cases. How does endometriosis impact fertility and pregnancy.

Understanding Endometriosis: A Chronic Condition

Endometriosis is a complex, lifelong condition that affects millions of women worldwide. This chronic disease occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, causing pain, inflammation, and potential fertility issues. While there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Key Characteristics of Endometriosis

• Chronic nature
• Varying degrees of severity
• Potential impact on fertility
• Need for personalized management plans

Why is endometriosis considered a chronic condition? Endometriosis is classified as chronic because it persists throughout a woman’s reproductive years and often beyond. The tissue growth and associated symptoms can recur even after treatment, necessitating ongoing management and care.

Pain Management Strategies for Endometriosis

Pain is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of endometriosis. Effective pain management is crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition. What are the primary options for managing endometriosis-related pain?

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For mild symptoms, over-the-counter pain medications can provide relief. These typically include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Acetaminophen

How do NSAIDs help with endometriosis pain? NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals, which can alleviate the discomfort associated with endometriosis. They are often the first line of defense for managing mild to moderate pain.

Prescription Pain Medications

In cases where over-the-counter options prove insufficient, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger pain medications. These might include:

• Opioid analgesics
• Combination medications
• Topical treatments

When should a patient consider prescription pain medications for endometriosis? Prescription pain medications are typically considered when over-the-counter options fail to provide adequate relief or when pain significantly impacts daily activities. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate and effective pain management strategy.

Hormonal Therapies for Endometriosis Management

Hormonal treatments play a crucial role in managing endometriosis symptoms and slowing the progression of the condition. These therapies aim to regulate or suppress hormonal fluctuations that can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms.

Hormonal Birth Control Options

Various forms of hormonal birth control can be effective in managing endometriosis symptoms:

1. Combined oral contraceptives (estrogen and progestin)
2. Progestin-only pills
3. Contraceptive patches
4. Vaginal rings
5. Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

How do hormonal birth control methods help with endometriosis? These treatments work by regulating menstrual cycles, reducing heavy bleeding, and often suppressing ovulation. This can lead to a reduction in pain and other endometriosis-related symptoms. Some women may use these methods continuously to avoid menstruation altogether, further alleviating symptoms.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogues

GnRH analogues are a more potent hormonal treatment option for endometriosis. They include:

• GnRH agonists: Goserelin (Zoladex), Leuprolide (Lupron), Nafarelin (Synarel)
• GnRH antagonists: Elagolix (Orilissa)

What is the mechanism of action for GnRH analogues in treating endometriosis? GnRH analogues work by suppressing the production of estrogen, effectively inducing a temporary menopausal state. This hormone suppression causes endometriosis lesions to shrink and can significantly reduce pain. However, due to potential side effects like bone density loss, these medications are typically used for limited periods under close medical supervision.

Emerging Treatments and Alternative Therapies

As research into endometriosis continues, new treatment options and alternative therapies are emerging. These approaches aim to provide additional tools for managing the condition and improving patient outcomes.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors represent a newer class of medications being explored for endometriosis treatment. How do aromatase inhibitors work in the context of endometriosis? These drugs block the production of estrogen in the body, potentially reducing the growth and activity of endometriosis lesions. While not yet widely used as a primary treatment, aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed off-label in combination with other hormonal therapies for certain cases of endometriosis.

Androgen Receptor Agonists

Medications like danazol (Danocrine) fall into the category of androgen receptor agonists. These drugs work by altering hormone levels and immune system function to help manage endometriosis symptoms. What are the considerations when using androgen receptor agonists? While effective for some patients, these medications can have significant side effects and are not suitable for women planning to become pregnant due to potential risks to a developing fetus.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Many women with endometriosis explore complementary and alternative therapies to manage their symptoms. These may include:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies
• Dietary changes
• Exercise and physical therapy
• Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques

Can alternative therapies effectively manage endometriosis symptoms? While scientific evidence for many alternative therapies is limited, some women report significant symptom relief from these approaches. It’s important to discuss any alternative treatments with a healthcare provider to ensure they don’t interfere with other medical treatments or exacerbate symptoms.

Surgical Interventions for Endometriosis

In cases where conservative treatments prove ineffective or when fertility is a primary concern, surgical interventions may be recommended. Surgical options for endometriosis range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive surgeries.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a common and less invasive surgical approach for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. What does laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis involve? This procedure uses small incisions through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon can then visualize and remove endometriosis lesions, scar tissue, and adhesions. Laparoscopic surgery can significantly reduce pain and improve fertility outcomes for many women with endometriosis.

Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy

In severe cases or for women who have completed their families, more extensive surgical options may be considered. These include:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
• Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries

When might a hysterectomy or oophorectomy be recommended for endometriosis? These procedures are typically considered last-resort options for women with severe, treatment-resistant endometriosis who are not planning future pregnancies. It’s important to note that even after these surgeries, some women may still experience endometriosis symptoms if any endometrial tissue remains outside the removed organs.

Endometriosis and Fertility: Navigating Pregnancy

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on fertility, making it challenging for some women to conceive. However, many women with endometriosis can still achieve pregnancy, either naturally or with medical assistance.

Fertility Preservation Options

For women with endometriosis who wish to preserve their fertility, several options may be considered:

1. Egg freezing
2. Embryo freezing
3. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation

How can fertility preservation help women with endometriosis? These techniques allow women to store their eggs or embryos for future use, potentially before undergoing treatments that could impact fertility or if they wish to delay pregnancy for other reasons.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

For women struggling to conceive due to endometriosis, assisted reproductive technologies can offer hope. These may include:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

What is the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies for women with endometriosis? Success rates vary depending on the severity of endometriosis and other individual factors. However, many women with endometriosis have successfully conceived using these technologies, often with success rates comparable to those without the condition when appropriate treatments are applied.

Living with Endometriosis: Long-Term Management and Support

Managing endometriosis is often a lifelong journey that requires ongoing care, support, and adaptation. Developing a comprehensive management plan is crucial for maintaining quality of life and addressing the various challenges posed by this chronic condition.

Multidisciplinary Care Approach

Effective endometriosis management often involves a team of healthcare professionals, which may include:

• Gynecologists specializing in endometriosis
• Pain management specialists
• Fertility specialists
• Mental health professionals
• Nutritionists
• Physical therapists

Why is a multidisciplinary approach beneficial for endometriosis patients? This comprehensive care model ensures that all aspects of the condition are addressed, from physical symptoms to emotional well-being and fertility concerns. It allows for a more personalized and holistic treatment plan tailored to each woman’s unique needs and goals.

Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications and self-care practices can play a significant role in managing endometriosis symptoms. These may include:

1. Dietary changes to reduce inflammation
2. Regular exercise and physical activity
3. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
4. Adequate sleep and rest
5. Use of heat therapy for pain relief

How can lifestyle modifications impact endometriosis symptoms? Many women report significant improvements in pain levels and overall well-being when incorporating these practices into their daily lives. While not a substitute for medical treatment, these strategies can complement other therapies and enhance overall quality of life.

Support Networks and Resources

Living with a chronic condition like endometriosis can be emotionally challenging. Support networks and resources can provide valuable assistance and information. These may include:

• Endometriosis support groups
• Online communities and forums
• Educational resources and workshops
• Patient advocacy organizations

What role do support networks play in endometriosis management? These resources can offer emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community for women living with endometriosis. They can also be valuable sources of information on the latest research and treatment options, empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.

In conclusion, while endometriosis presents significant challenges, advances in medical treatments and a growing understanding of the condition offer hope for improved management and quality of life. By working closely with healthcare providers, exploring various treatment options, and engaging in self-care practices, many women with endometriosis can effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Ongoing research continues to pave the way for new and more effective treatments, bringing us closer to better outcomes for those affected by this complex condition.

Endometriosis Treatments, Tests, Surgery, Pregnancy, Medications, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Pain Medication
• Hormone Birth Control
• Gonadotroin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogues
• Androgen Receptor Agonist
• Aromatase Inhibitors

Endometriosis is a lifelong condition so it is important to develop a plan to manage it based on the extent of the disease, severity of pain and potential plans for pregnancy. Since it is a chronic disease, it cannot be cured, but there are options for different types of medications to ease endometriosis pain and  help you feel better. Some need a prescription. Others you can buy “over the counter.” Your doctor may recommend that you try more than one kind.

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor will likely suggest you take a pain reliever. These may include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Sometimes endometriosis pain can be severe. So, if you try pain meds that you can buy without a prescription and you don’t get enough relief, your doctor will consider whether you need a prescription for a stronger type of medicine.

Taking hormone birth control can stop the heavy menstrual bleeding that generally accompanies endometriosis. Your doctor may advise you to take hormonal birth control on a continuous basis for three or more months to prevent you from having your period.

The most common hormones that doctors prescribe for endometriosis include:

Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings. These contraceptives include both estrogen and progestin.

Progestin-only contraceptives. These include pills, shots, and an IUD (intrauterine device). These medicines can cut down on pain, as most women don’t have a period while taking these medicines, or at least have fewer periods.

Hormone therapy can cause side effects such as weight gain, depression, acne, body hair, and irregular bleeding. You should talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Also, if you stop taking this type of medicine, your symptoms may come back. Tell your doctor if that happens.

If your pain is not controlled with NSAIDS and hormone birth control, your doctor may suggest a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. This medication causes your ovaries to stop producing estrogen, which in turn causes the endometriosis tissue to shrink. Over 80% of women using this treatment had their pain reduced, including those with severe pain. GnRH analogues also cause you to experience temporary menopause so they are not used if you are trying to become pregnant.

There are 2 types of GnRH analogues: GnRH agonists and antagonists.

Examples of GnRH agonist analogues include:

• Goserelin ( Zoladex) — Shot taken once every 28 days
• Leuprolide (Lupron) — Shot taken once every one or three months
• Nafarelin (Synarel) — Nasal spray taken twice per day

Examples of GnRH antagonist analogues include:

• Elagolix(Orilissa) — It is taken by mouth one to two times a day, depending on your symptoms

Doctors limit the number of months these meds are taken because of bone density loss which can increase the risk of fractures.  

The medication danazol (Danocrine) helps stop your body from releasing hormones that it uses to help bring about your period and increases your immune system. You need to be on birth control while you take it to prevent pregnancy. If you get pregnant while taking danazol, it could cause a female baby to have male traits.

Aromatase is a chemical that boosts your body’s estrogen production. Aromatase inhibitors block it, which lowers your estrogen level.  These medicines aren’t routinely used to treat endometriosis. But in some cases, doctors recommend it “off label” in addition to hormonal therapy to manage endometriosis pain, as long as you aren’t planning to get pregnant while on this treatment.

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Endometriosis Treatments, Tests, Surgery, Pregnancy, Medications, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Pain Medication
• Hormone Birth Control
• Gonadotroin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogues
• Androgen Receptor Agonist
• Aromatase Inhibitors

Endometriosis is a lifelong condition so it is important to develop a plan to manage it based on the extent of the disease, severity of pain and potential plans for pregnancy. Since it is a chronic disease, it cannot be cured, but there are options for different types of medications to ease endometriosis pain and  help you feel better. Some need a prescription. Others you can buy “over the counter.” Your doctor may recommend that you try more than one kind.

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor will likely suggest you take a pain reliever. These may include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Sometimes endometriosis pain can be severe. So, if you try pain meds that you can buy without a prescription and you don’t get enough relief, your doctor will consider whether you need a prescription for a stronger type of medicine.

Taking hormone birth control can stop the heavy menstrual bleeding that generally accompanies endometriosis. Your doctor may advise you to take hormonal birth control on a continuous basis for three or more months to prevent you from having your period.

The most common hormones that doctors prescribe for endometriosis include:

Birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings. These contraceptives include both estrogen and progestin.

Progestin-only contraceptives. These include pills, shots, and an IUD (intrauterine device). These medicines can cut down on pain, as most women don’t have a period while taking these medicines, or at least have fewer periods.

Hormone therapy can cause side effects such as weight gain, depression, acne, body hair, and irregular bleeding. You should talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Also, if you stop taking this type of medicine, your symptoms may come back. Tell your doctor if that happens.

If your pain is not controlled with NSAIDS and hormone birth control, your doctor may suggest a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. This medication causes your ovaries to stop producing estrogen, which in turn causes the endometriosis tissue to shrink. Over 80% of women using this treatment had their pain reduced, including those with severe pain. GnRH analogues also cause you to experience temporary menopause so they are not used if you are trying to become pregnant.

There are 2 types of GnRH analogues: GnRH agonists and antagonists.

Examples of GnRH agonist analogues include:

• Goserelin ( Zoladex) — Shot taken once every 28 days
• Leuprolide (Lupron) — Shot taken once every one or three months
• Nafarelin (Synarel) — Nasal spray taken twice per day

Examples of GnRH antagonist analogues include:

• Elagolix(Orilissa) — It is taken by mouth one to two times a day, depending on your symptoms

Doctors limit the number of months these meds are taken because of bone density loss which can increase the risk of fractures. 

The medication danazol (Danocrine) helps stop your body from releasing hormones that it uses to help bring about your period and increases your immune system. You need to be on birth control while you take it to prevent pregnancy. If you get pregnant while taking danazol, it could cause a female baby to have male traits.

Aromatase is a chemical that boosts your body’s estrogen production. Aromatase inhibitors block it, which lowers your estrogen level.  These medicines aren’t routinely used to treat endometriosis. But in some cases, doctors recommend it “off label” in addition to hormonal therapy to manage endometriosis pain, as long as you aren’t planning to get pregnant while on this treatment.

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top-7 rating according to KP

Endometriosis is a fairly common hormone-dependent benign pathology in which the uterine mucosa (endometrium) “leaves” the organ cavity. In this case, the endometrium can be found in almost any part of the body, but most often found in the ovaries and fallopian tubes ¹ .

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:

• painful and prolonged menstruation;
• menstrual disorders;
• prolonged “spotting” discharge before and after menstruation;
• pain during intercourse;
• anemia ¹ .

If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist. The specialist will conduct a complete examination and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Effective treatments for endometriosis are:

• drug therapy with hormonal and non-hormonal drugs;
• surgery (laparoscopic removal of abnormal tissue) ¹ .

Suppositories are not the primary treatment for endometriosis. But since they have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects, they can be used as adjuvant therapy.

List of top 7 suppositories for endometriosis according to KP

Important! All drugs have side effects and contraindications. Our material is an overview and does not serve as a guide to action. Before buying funds, consult your doctor.

Ichthyol suppositories

Ichthyol suppositories are greenish-brown rectal suppositories with a characteristic odor. They contain ichthammol, which has anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and antiseptic effects.

When administered rectally, suppositories improve blood circulation in the pelvis and speed up metabolism, which helps to eliminate inflammation in the prostate gland in men, uterus and ovaries in women. Therefore, ichthyol suppositories can be used as part of the complex therapy of endometritis, prostatitis and salpingo-oophoritis. It is worth considering that after the introduction of the candle, they can leak out and stain the laundry.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to ichthammol, under 18 years of age. Use during pregnancy and lactation is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Acylact

Vaginal suppositories contain acidophilus bacteria and help restore disturbed intimate microflora, which occurs in endometriosis. These live lactobacilli help to crowd out many pathogens, including staphylococci and E. coli, and help maintain normal vaginal pH.

Candles are also used in the complex treatment of dysbacteriosis, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary tract, bacterial vaginosis, and also as a prophylaxis before gynecological interventions.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to components, candidiasis, children under 14 years of age.

Hexicon

Suppositories are available as white vaginal suppositories. They contain the antiseptic chlorhexidine, which fights against various microbial pathogens, eliminates inflammation, and helps to cope with profuse discharge, accompanied by burning and itching.

Most often, suppositories are used if a secondary microbial infection has joined the underlying disease – endometriosis. Also, candles can be used before surgery on the pelvic organs and invasive procedures to prevent infectious and inflammatory complications.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. If you feel burning and irritation during the administration of suppositories, you should consult your doctor.

Vaginorm-S

The product is available in the form of white or white-yellow vaginal tablets and contains ascorbic acid. This component helps to reduce the pH of the vagina, due to which pathogenic anaerobic bacteria cannot grow and multiply normally, and the natural microflora, on the contrary, is restored.

Candles can be used as part of the complex therapy of endometriosis (if a bacterial infection has joined), as well as for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, chronic or recurrent vaginitis. Vaginal tablets can also be used during menstruation.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to ascorbic acid, vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Depantol

The drug is available in the form of vaginal suppositories and contains dexpanthenol and chlorhexidine. Due to these two components, the agent has a healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

Also suppositories contribute to the restoration of damaged tissues of the cervix, so they can be prescribed after surgical treatment of endometriosis for the prevention of complications and better healing.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Lactoginal

The drug is a transparent gelatin capsule with a yellow powder inside for vaginal administration. They contain lactobacilli, which displace various pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria, help restore the disturbed vaginal microflora and improve local metabolic processes.

Capsules can be used if the course of endometriosis is complicated by bacterial vaginosis, and also as a prevention of complications before surgical treatment of endometriosis and other gynecological procedures.

Contraindications : hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, vulvovaginal candidiasis, age up to 18 years.

Longidase

The drug is available in the form of rectal and vaginal suppositories, as well as a solution for injection (the latter is available in pharmacies only by prescription). Candles contain the enzyme hyaluronidase, as well as cocoa butter, and have an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect.

The product instructions indicate that suppositories can be used for gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, chronic endometritis, as well as for the prevention of adhesions and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.

Contraindications : malignant tumors, pulmonary hemorrhage, acute renal failure, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, children under 12 years of age, pregnancy and lactation.

How to choose suppositories for endometriosis

Manufacturers produce suppositories in the form of vaginal or rectal suppositories. The latter are used in cases where an analgesic effect is needed or for a wide impact on the body. Vaginal suppositories act locally, reducing inflammation and helping the rapid regeneration of damaged tissues, increasing local immunity ³ .

Doctors’ comments about suppositories for endometriosis

Most doctors tend to believe that there is no evidence-based scientific basis for suppositories in the treatment of endometriosis. Thus, suppositories can only be used as an adjunctive therapy: relieve inflammation, reduce pain, increase local immunity. They do not affect the treatment of the underlying disease – only hormonal therapy or surgical treatment will help here ⁴ .

Popular questions and answers

Alena Chumikanova, a gynecologist, answers the main questions regarding endometriosis and its treatment .

What causes endometriosis?

– The exact cause of the disease has not yet been found out. There are several theories of the origin of endometriosis:

• genetic predisposition;
• immune imbalance;
• transfer of some endometrial cells into the pelvic cavity during menstruation;
• hormonal failure.

Is it possible to get pregnant with endometriosis?

– The chances depend on the severity of the disease. With a mild form of pathology, the possibility of a healthy pregnancy is reduced to about 50%. The higher the severity, the less chance of conception. In the event that pregnancy does occur, the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage increases due to hormonal imbalance.

What can not be done with endometriosis?

— With endometriosis, it is recommended to avoid excessive overheating of the body. It is better to refuse to visit baths and saunas and take hot baths. Many are interested in the issue of sexuality. Doctors do not prohibit sexual intercourse. But the fact is that most women suffering from this disease experience pain, which can only intensify during sexual intercourse. Constipation is also characteristic of endometriosis. Therefore, we do not recommend eating foods that can exacerbate this problem.

Photo: market.yandex.ru, KP

Sources:

1. Immunological aspects of endometriosis. L.V. Adamyan. Attending physician No. 4/2020, art.37-47. https://journal.lvrach.ru/jour/article/view/109/107?locale=ru_RU
2. Endometriosis as a common pathology in gynecology. I.Sh. Daubasova. Bulletin of the Kazakh National Medical University, 2013. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/endometrioz-kak-chastaya-patologiya-v-ginekologii
3. Immunomodulatory therapy in the program of rehabilitation of patients with chronic endometritis. Shurshalina A.V., Dubnitskaya L.V. Russian Bulletin of an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, 2006. http://elib.fesmu.ru/elib/Article.aspx?id=142019
4. Endometriosis: from the difficulties of diagnosis to new possibilities of therapy. V.N.Prilepskaya, E.V.Ivanova, A.V.Tagiyeva, A.B.Letunovskaya. Federal State Budgetary Institution Scientific Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after V.I. acad. IN AND. Kulakov of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 2012, p. 4-8. https://journals.eco-vector.com/2079-5831/article/view/33251

Endometriosis lifestyle

What is endometriosis? How to live with endometriosis? What can and should be done, and what is strictly prohibited?

How to live with endometriosis? What can and should be done, and what is strictly prohibited? With this question, the correspondent of the magazine “Women’s Health” turned to Tina WEINTKAMI – a well-known American professor, obstetrician-gynecologist, leading specialist of the Clark Memorial Hospital Reproduction Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

— How relevant is the problem of endometriosis at present?

– This problem, of course, can be called topical. In the United States, for example, about 15% of women suffer from endometriosis. And this figure is steadily growing every year. This is largely due to the improvement of diagnostic methods.

— What is endometriosis?

– The reason for the appearance and development of endometriosis is that the endometrial tissue, or the inner lining of the uterus, which is normally rejected during menstruation, for one reason or another goes beyond its limits and appears in those organs where it should not be. This is how endometriosis of the ovaries, tubes, intestines and other organs occurs. In this abnormal endometrium, the same cyclical changes occur as in the uterus, it swells and bleeds. But since this fluid cannot come out, it begins to compress the nerve endings, causing pain and the formation of adhesions. In addition, the uterine wall contains prostaglandins. Produced in too large quantities, they also increase pain.

— Why is this happening anyway?

— There are many different theories of how endometriosis occurs. Viruses are thought to play a role. There are adherents of the genetic theory. In any case, there is always a hormonal imbalance. It is manifested by an increase in the level of female sex hormones estrogen.

— Is it possible to somehow predict the appearance of endometriosis? Are there any criteria for metriosis?

— It is impossible to say for sure whether a woman will get sick with endometriosis or not. In the United States, for example, there are doctors who are of the opinion that every woman has endometriosis, but not everyone has it. We can understand whether the patient belongs to the so-called risk group for endometriosis or not. These are women who have had abortions, difficult childbirth, frequent inflammation of the appendages. At an older age, aggravating factors are obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

— Can a woman help herself?

– Absolutely. And often it is very effective. The patient herself can improve the quality of her life. Endometriosis is a serious problem, but it can be managed.

— What sort of life should such a woman lead?

– An active lifestyle can greatly alleviate the condition. Avoid stress, be outdoors more. Healthy and long sleep is very important. On average, the body needs 8-9 hours a day to fully recover.hours. Exercise lowers estrogen levels and may slow the growth of endometriosis.

It is better to start with simple exercises, as excessive exercise will only increase the pain. Do not neglect your usual morning exercises. It improves blood circulation, respiration and brings the body into a state of wakefulness. You can add static and dynamic exercises to it. Here is an approximate complex:

1 element – walking in place with a calm step for 1 – 2 minutes. Element 2 – walking in a cross step and half-crouching. Element 3 – from the knee-elbow position, lift the pelvis as much as possible up, standing on your toes and straightening your legs at the knees, while resting on your elbows. The exercise is performed 8-10 times. Element 4 – in a sitting position, bring your legs together and spread them several times. Element 5 – from a standing position, sit down while stretching your arms forward. Breathing should be even.

In conclusion, as a general strengthening effect, one of the most accessible types of aerobics is recommended – running in place. The degree of load is controlled by the pulse. While running, it should be 180 minus your age in years. After 5 minutes, the pulse should not exceed 120 beats per minute, and after 10 minutes it should not be more than 100 beats. The duration of the run is 7-10 minutes.

From static exercises, “inverted” postures are suitable. For example, throwing your legs over your head while lying on the floor. At the same time, blood flow to the brain increases and the nutrition of the departments responsible for hormonal regulation improves. Such training, together with a positive attitude, helps to defeat the disease.

— What diet should be followed for endometriosis? Are there any restrictions?

— There are no special restrictions. The main thing is that the food is healthy and complete in all components.

Add fish to your diet. Fish is a natural anti-prostaglandin and can reduce pain. Fresh vegetables and fruits are also very welcome.

A woman’s daily diet should consist of 50% of them. Uncrushed cereals, nuts, seeds are also useful. But caffeine intake is better to limit. The caffeine found in coffee, tea, and sodas makes pain worse for some women. For coffee lovers, decaffeinated coffee can be a good alternative.

— What should I do if the pain still persists?

— Many women with endometriosis find relief with moist heat or a heating pad and a warm drink. This will help relax the muscles in your lower abdomen. If heat does not help, you can try putting an ice pack on your lower abdomen. It is important to remember that there should be a layer of tissue between your body and the ice, and the ice is applied for 10 minutes with 15-minute breaks.

— What medicines can help with endometriosis?

– Of the drugs, simple aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs will help. Aspirin destroys excess prostaglandins and reduces muscle spasm. But the best painkillers are antiprostaglandins. They not only reduce pain, but also prevent its occurrence. The most effective of them are medipren and nuprin. These drugs allow you to fight the cause of the disease.

— What other recommendations are there for women with endometriosis?

– I advise you not to use tampons or keep them to a minimum. Tampons can aggravate menstrual cramps by blocking the natural flow of blood. Thus, an artificial barrier is created and, as a result, blood is thrown back into the tubes and the abdominal cavity. The risk of spreading endometriosis in such a situation is very high.

— What effect does pregnancy have on the course of endometriosis?

– During pregnancy, the hormonal background normalizes, and the level of “harmful” estrogens decreases. However, after childbirth, endometriosis can again remind of itself, so it’s not worth letting the disease take its course after the birth of a child.

— How long should endometriosis be treated?

— The duration of treatment is very individual. It is evaluated by the cessation of pain and the disappearance of endometrioid growths. On average, this occurs within 3-6 months of therapy.

Our task is to do everything possible so that you have healthy children, and you, their parents, are happy. Our doctors are engaged in scientific activities, which allows the MAMA Reproduction Clinic to offer its patients unique opportunities. All you need to use our many years of experience is to call and make an appointment.

You can make an appointment with a doctor about a week before the expected visit on any working day.