Violent menstrual pain One in ten women suffers from endometriosis

Period pain and unfulfilled desire for children: what women can do in endometriosis

If unbearable menstrual pains and violent pelvic pain set in, month after month, endometriosis may be behind the symptoms. According to health experts, about one in ten women is affected. Women's disease is a common cause of infertility. But affected women can be helped.

Disease is often not detected early

Endometriosis is one of the most common, benign diseases of women of reproductive age, according to a statement of the University Medical Center Mainz. Experts estimate that around 40,000 women in Germany suffer from it each year. Frequently, endometriosis is not recognized early - in this country it takes about six years between the onset of the first symptoms and the diagnosis. Affected suffer from acute and chronic pain, but also under unfulfilled desire for children.

According to estimates, about one in ten women in this country is affected by endometriosis. The chronic disease is associated with severe menstrual pain. Health experts explain what can help affected women. (Image: rock_the_stock / fotolia.com)

No causal therapy

Cardinal symptoms of endometriosis include pain in menstrual bleeding, intercourse, and pelvic pain. So far, the cause of this disease is not yet well known. Also, there is currently no causal therapy.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease and affected women often feel left alone with the diagnosis.

Very few women assume serious illness when their monthly menstrual period is accompanied by severe pain.

"Severe abdominal pains should always be diagnosed by gynecological examination of the affected women, because in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases endometriosis is the cause," explains Univ.-Prof. Dr. Annette Hasenburg, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Obstetrics and Women's Health of the University Medical Center Mainz.

"These women complain not only pain in the rule and sexual intercourse. Rather, endometriosis can also lead to unwanted childlessness and thus represent a heavy mortgage for couples, "said the expert.

One in ten women affected by endometriosis

It is estimated that about one in ten women in this country is affected by endometriosis, including many young women. In fact, the chronic disease often begins with or soon after the first menstrual period.

The sometimes atypical symptoms, such as discomfort in the digestive tract, may lead to the treating physician suspecting a cause other than endometriosis. This explains why it takes about six years on average to make the correct diagnosis.

"Many women then learn that they suffer from endometriosis if their desire to conceive is not met and the gynecologist goes in search of the cause of infertility," said the head of the Endometriosis Center of the University of Mainz. Roxana Schwab.

She adds: "An early diagnosis would be extremely important in order to initiate timely therapeutic measures that help to prevent infertility."

The Department of Obstetrics and Women's Health of the Mainz University Medical Center will hold an informational event on endometriosis on June 20, together with the European Endometriosis League. More details on the website of the clinic.

Only a safe diagnostic option

The only sure way to make a diagnosis, according to professionals is a surgical procedure 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.

Often, only one operation remains

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.

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.

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)