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Holistic treatment of the mucous membrane outside the uterus

Endometriosis is a common, benign but often painful and chronic condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appears outside the uterine cavity. It occurs in about 7 to 12% of all women between the ages of 15 and 45 and is the second most common gynaecological disease. It often remains undetected for a long time because the complaints are usually non-specific and cannot always be clearly attributed to endometriosis. On average, it takes six years in Germany before a definitive diagnosis is made.

Endometriosis Can Prevent Pregnancy

A link between endometriosis and infertility has been known for many years. It is assumed that the prevalence of endometriosis in women with infertility is up to 50%. This may be caused by adhesions or fallopian tubes affected by endometriosis. Other possible causes include impaired uterine movement, irregular sperm transport and implantation problems in cases of endometriosis affecting the uterine wall (adenomyosis uteri). Even mild peritoneal endometriosis can reduce the chances of pregnancy. The causes discussed here are an overproduction of prostaglandins, metalloproteinases, cytokines and/or chemokines, which are signs of a chronic inflammatory process and can have an adverse effect on folliculogenesis, egg quality and implantation.

Symptoms of endometriosis

The leading symptom is pain in the lower abdomen. It is usually cycle-dependent and intensifies during menstrual bleeding (dysmenorrhea). Depending on the location, endometriosis can also manifest itself as pain during sexual intercourse, gynaecological examinations or bowel movements. 

Important indications of endometriosis are provided by a specific gynaecological examination, cysts and the patient's medical history. The final diagnosis can be made only by laparoscopy and histological examination of the lesions.

Causes of endometriosis

Why a woman develops endometriosis is still not known for sure. One theory of origin states that a so-called retrograde menstruation occurs: In this case, the menstrual bleeding passes through the fallopian tubes "backwards" into the abdominal cavity, where mucosal cells that have been carried along are then deposited. A second theory describes a carry-over of mucosal cells through the blood and lymph vessels and during operations. A genetic component and a developmental predisposition are also discussed.

Pain reduction and support for unfulfilled desire to have children

We have been certified as an endometriosis practice by EuroEndoCert since 2013 in accordance with the criteria of the Certification Commission of the Endometriosis Research Foundation. The certification proves that we have extensive medical expertise and adhere to strict criteria, guidelines and procedures with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Dr Dolores Foth is a member of the scientific advisory board of the Endometriosis Research Foundation. For the holistic treatment of endometriosis, we are supported by our cooperation partners in urology, radiology, pain therapy, occupational therapy and our psychologist, among others. Together, we aim to improve your quality of life by reducing pain and providing you with individual help if you are unable to conceive. Every woman with endometriosis is unique. The approach depends on the extent of the disease, age, egg reserve and personal life plans. Endometriosis is not an indication for hormonal ovarian stimulation or ovulation induction, as these alone do not improve the chances of pregnancy. For many couples, IVF therapy is the treatment with the highest chance of success. If the desire to have children cannot be realised at present, fertility-preserving measures in the form of egg cryopreservation are possible.

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