Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, outside the uterus—typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and within the abdominal cavity. This condition negatively affects women’s quality of life and can also lead to infertility problems.

Symptoms

Endometriosis can present with symptoms of varying severity. The most common symptoms include:

• Severe and chronic menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
• Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic pain occurring before and after menstruation
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding
• Difficulty in conceiving

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnosis of endometriosis often begins with a detailed clinical evaluation. The methods used to confirm the diagnosis include:

• Pelvic examination
• Ultrasound (especially transvaginal ultrasound)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Laparoscopy when necessary (direct visualization and biopsy through minimally invasive surgery)

Treatment Options

Endometriosis treatment is personalized based on the patient’s age, plans for having children, severity of symptoms, and extent of the disease. The main treatment methods include:

• Medication: Birth control pills, GnRH agonists or painkillers can be used to control pain and regulate hormone levels.
• Surgical Treatment: It may be necessary to remove endometriosis foci with laparoscopic surgery, especially in cases that do not respond to drug treatment or cause infertility.
• Fertility Treatments: For women who want to have children, assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used.

Quality of Life and Follow-Up

Since endometriosis is a chronic condition, it requires regular follow-up and a long-term treatment plan. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management also support the treatment process.