Clinical Endometriosis Centre

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 

The natural pregnancy rate of endometriosis patients is about 40% lower than the average for healthy women. This can be caused by adhesions or by fallopian tubes affected with endometriosis. In addition, a disturbed movement of the uterus, an irregular transport of the sperm and an implantation disorder in the case of endometriosis of the uterine wall (andenomyosis uteri) can be considered as causes. The same applies to impaired ovarian function and impaired oocyte maturation.

In cases of mild to moderate endometriosis (stage I-II), we can improve fertility by surgically removing the foci. In cases of extensive involvement (stage III-IV), assisted reproduction (IVF treatment) is superior to surgery for the realisation of the desire for a child.

1.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.

2.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.

3.Pain reduction and help with unfulfilled desire to have children

Since 2013, we have been certified as a clinical endometriosis centre level II - by the European Endometriosis League, the Endometriosis Research Foundation and the Endometriosis Association of Germany e.V. The certification proves that we have comprehensive medical expertise and adhere to strict criteria, guidelines and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

For the holistic treatment of endometriosis we have cooperation partners in urology and radiology. The same applies to a pain therapist, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a nutritionist and a doctor for acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Together, our goal is to improve your quality of life through pain reduction and to help you with your unfulfilled desire to have children.