Endometriosis Overview

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, which refers to the growth of endometrial tissue in parts outside the uterine cavity, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic cavity, etc.Main symptoms includeDysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and infertility.The cause is not yet completely clear, but may be related to reflux of menstrual blood, immune abnormalities, genetics and other factors.Diagnosis is usually combined withClinical symptoms, gynecological examination, imaging (such as ultrasound) and laparoscopy.Treatment is divided into two methods: drugs (such as hormone therapy) and surgery (removal of lesions), which need to be selected individually based on the patient's age, symptoms and reproductive needs.

Symptoms and clinical manifestations

Typical symptoms of endometriosis areprogressively worsening dysmenorrhea, the pain is mostly located in the lower abdomen or lumbosacral region, and may radiate to the thighs.Some patients will haveNon-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, or painful bowel movements, affecting the quality of life in severe cases.About 30%-50% of patients are complicated by infertility, and ectopic lesions may lead to pelvic adhesions, fallopian tube obstruction, or abnormal ovarian function.In addition, if endometriosis spreads to the bladder or intestines, it may also causeFrequent urination, hematuria, or blood in the stool.The severity of symptoms is not necessarily directly proportional to the scope of the lesions, and a diagnosis needs to be confirmed through professional examination.

Cause and pathogenesis

It is currently believed that endometriosis may be related toReflux of menstrual bloodRelated, that is, the endometrial fragments shed during menstruation flow back to the pelvic cavity with menstrual blood and grow.Other theories includeBody cavity metaplasia, lymphatic or vascular metastasisWait.Genetic factors (patients with a family history have a 3-10 times higher risk) and immune abnormalities (inability to clear ectopic endometrial cells) also play an important role.Environmental factors such asEndocrine disruptors (such as dioxins)May increase risk of disease.In recent years, studies have found that inflammatory response and angiogenesis play key roles in the development of lesions.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

Diagnosis needs to be combined withMedical history, bimanual gynecological examination, ultrasound or MRI, but the gold standard isLaparoscopic lesion biopsy.Blood tests (such as CA125) can assist in the assessment but are not very specific.Treatments are divided into two categories:medicine(such as oral contraceptives, progestins, GnRH agonists) shrink the lesions by inhibiting estrogen secretion;surgery(Conservative resection or radical hysterectomy) is suitable for severe cases or those who are ineffective with drugs.Young people who want to have children are recommended to use combined assisted reproductive technology after surgery.Pain management can be combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen).

Summary and life suggestions

Although endometriosis cannot be cured, it can be treated withEarly diagnosis, standardized treatment and long-term managementCan effectively control symptoms.Patients should avoid overexertion, moderate exercise (such as yoga) to relieve pain, and eat a balanced diet (reduce high-fat foods).Regular follow-up is required to monitor changes in lesions, especially in postoperative patients.Those who have difficulty preparing for pregnancy may consult a reproductive specialist.Studies show that about 60%-70% of patients experience significant improvement in symptoms after treatment.At present, domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies such asBayer (Visanin), Pfizer (leuprolide)and other production of related therapeutic drugs.

Citing sources: 1. "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis" by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association 2. Clinical Guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 3. Expert consensus of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) 4. Drug information is based on public data from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)