Gynecological endometriosis Children's desire with the help of new therapy

Endometriosis often causes infertility - fulfilling a child's desire through appropriate therapy

Endometriosis is a chronic but benign condition that can affect women of reproductive age. The women's disease, which is associated with, among other things, severe menstrual pain, often leads to infertility. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of women with unmet fertility are affected by endometriosis. However, appropriate treatment can help those affected to get pregnant.

Millions of women in Germany suffer from endometriosis

More than 30,000 women are diagnosed with endometriosis every year. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of all women of sexually mature age suffer from it. That's two to six million women in Germany. The course of the disease varies from case to case. The disease is one of the most common causes of infertility. But a suitable therapy can sometimes help those affected to become pregnant.

Severe pain during the period may indicate endometriosis. This disease is one of the most common causes of infertility. But with the right therapy, the desire to have children can often be fulfilled. (Image: ruigsantos / fotolia.com)

Strong, cycle-dependent pain

Endometriosis is a benign but often painful chronic condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) settles outside the uterus.

Endometriosis growths spread in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestine, bladder or peritoneal membrane of the woman, sometimes in other organs.

Almost always, the disease disappears by itself with the most severe, cycle-dependent pain in the menopause by itself. The exact origin is still unclear.

Illness usually remains undetected for years

Endometriosis usually remains undetected for years. "On average, it takes six years for an affected woman to get the right diagnosis," explains Professor Dr. Gerald Gitsch, Medical Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Freiburg University Hospital in a statement.

For so long, patients often suffer from periodic bleeding, intercourse, back pain and, less commonly, pain when urinating or evacuating.

Also, chronic abdominal pain may indicate endometriosis.

"Typical of endometriosis is that the symptoms increase with the menstrual cycle and then subside again. But half of the women with endometriosis are free of complaints, "explains Privatdozentin Dr. med. Michaela Bossart, Senior Physician at the Department of Obstetrics of the University Hospital.

Only a safe diagnostic option

The only sure way to make a diagnosis is surgery under general anesthesia.

In a laparoscopy, called laparoscopy, a tissue sample is taken and examined.

In addition, the position, severity and growth type of Endometrioseherde can be determined by the laparoscopy.

The desire to have a baby is in the foreground of many women

The pain caused by endometriosis is often treated with analgesics, but such drugs do not affect the course of the disease itself.

In many cases, ultimately only the surgery remains, especially if the endometriosis prevents a desire to have children.

And exactly this desire is in the foreground with many women. "About every second woman with an unfulfilled desire to have children has endometriosis," explains Dr. Jörg Woll, Head of the Endometriosis Center, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Freiburg.

"That's why we also offer a consultation on fertility therapy for diagnosed endometriosis, to which women or affected couples can make an appointment."

Good treatment success

There is currently no therapy that can cure the endometriosis, so can eliminate their causes. However, several treatment options can help to temporarily or permanently relieve the symptoms.

In most cases, laparoscopic surgery followed by drug treatment with hormones or analgesics leads to freedom from symptoms.

"It is always a great pleasure, when many patients who were unintentionally childless, become pregnant after the treatment," said the expert. Bossart.

Positive experiences with alternative healing methods

In addition to conventional medical treatment methods, alternative treatment methods are also conceivable, especially after surgery.

The focus is on the goals of "reducing symptoms, reducing pain and physically or mentally restoring or strengthening the well-being of women," writes the Endometriosis Association Germany on its website.

According to the association, there are already positive experiences with acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy and herbal medicine (phytotherapy).

The disease can also be positively influenced by a sensible change in diet, the reduction of stress and moderate exercise. (Ad)