Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the endometrial tissue, which affects approximately 5-10% of women between the ages of 25-35.
The endometrium lines the internal part of the uterus but, in this pathology, it is found at the level of the ovaries, tubes, uterus, bladder and rectum. This condition is related to what is called retrograde menstruation during which some cells, instead of being expelled correctly, are pushed by the uterine contractions in the opposite direction. In the event that some of these cells implant and multiply, endometrial islands will result.
Signs and symptoms
- intense pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle: the fragments of endometrium outside the uterus, in response to hormones, will produce inflammatory substances that will create pain or prostaglandins that will promote stronger contractions
- pain during defecation, urination, sexual intercourse: these pains will be present in relation to the location of the abnormal tissue
- infertility: present in 30-40% of women who suffer from it and are of childbearing age
Therapy
Endometriosis pain is usually managed with hormonal therapies (birth control pills or progestins) and/or drugs capable of blocking ovarian activity (GnRH antagonists). Another option is laparoscopic surgery which aims to reduce pain and combat infertility. However, the operation does not exclude relapses of pain years later. Osteopathic treatment has also proven useful for managing the painful component of the problem.