Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma outside of the uterus. There are three types of endometriotic lesions: superficial or peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating disease. Endometriosis not only occurs in the pelvis but also can be found in extrapelvic sites such as the gastrointestinal tract, upper abdominal viscera, genitourinary tract, abdominal wall, diaphragm, and thoracic cavity. After thorough history and physical examination is performed, imaging, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), should be obtained if there is high suspicion for deep-infiltrating endometriosis to better assess visceral involvement. Endometriosis can be suspected based on symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging. However, a definitive diagnosis requires histopathologic confirmation. Treatment options include expectant, medical, and surgical management. Endometriosis is largely a quality-of-life issue, and treatment should be tailored accordingly with empiric medical therapy frequently utilized. Medical management focuses on symptom improvement. Surgical management with excision of endometriosis is preferred over ablation or fulguration of endometriotic lesions. In the case of deep or extrapelvic endometriosis, treatment with a multidisciplinary team with experience in the treatment of advanced-stage endometriosis is essential to minimizing morbidity and increasing long-term success.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/jom-2024-0105 | DOI Listing |
BMC Womens Health
December 2024
Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Background: Endometriosis is the most frequent gynecological diseases and accompanied by both physical and psychological symptoms. An increasing number of studies suggested acknowledging endometriosis as a systematic disease due to the multifactorial effects throughout the body. The chronic disease significantly impacts daily life, including romantic relationships.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrob Pathog
December 2024
Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein 627, Morumbi, São Paulo, 05651-901, Brazil; Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that affects 10% of reproductive-aged women and characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The disease is linked to a pro-inflammatory environment in the peritoneal fluid of patients, with high levels of cytokines, growth factors, and reactive oxygen species. Changes in the peritoneal fluid, such as altered immune cells and cytokines, can be linked to the immune balance in endometriosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Womens Health
December 2024
Department of Basic Sciences - Physiology Division, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, PO Box 7004, Ponce, 00732-7004, PR, Puerto Rico.
Background: Endometriosis is a complex gynecological disorder characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue. Symptoms of endometriosis are known to impair the quality of life of patients, and among these are found dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues. GI issues such as painful bowel movements, bloating and constipation or diarrhea, are one of the common reasons for misdiagnosis with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFReprod Sci
December 2024
Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Alterations in the microbiome composition have been identified in common gynecologic pathologies such as endometriosis carving a new frontier in diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to examine the existing literature on perturbations in the reproductive tract microbiome of individuals with adenomyosis informing future therapeutic targets. To examine the association between the reproductive tract microbiome composition among individuals with adenomyosis when compared to controls that can lead to new research evaluating novel mechanisms of action and treatment modalities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMed Health Care Philos
December 2024
Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Aging and Care (CIRAC), University of Graz, Schubertstraße 23/I, Graz, 8010, Austria.
Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting 10% of biological women, is widely understudied and particularly overlooked in later life. Discussions surrounding endometriosis predominantly centre on medical gender bias during reproductive years, with limited attention to intersecting factors of discrimination and the impact of ageism on affected individuals. As endometriosis is framed as a disease of reproductive age, research is lacking when it comes to the effects of the illness on the older population.
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