Gynecologist warned about the danger of endometriosis for women
Every tenth woman of reproductive age is confronted with endometriosis, a disease that quietly destroys life while remaining "invisible." For years, it has been mistaken for ordinary painful periods, stress, or "body characteristics." On September 19, Sabina Khanmirzoeva, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Medicine JSC (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about this.
"Endometriosis is not just a discomfort. This is a chronic, progressive disease that can deprive you of the joy of motherhood, undermine your health, and even lead to disability. It is called the invisible enemy because it is hidden behind the usual pain, often ignored by both patients and doctors, and the diagnosis is made on average only 7-10 years after the first symptoms," she warned.
In endometriosis, cells similar to the uterine mucosa, like invaders, begin to grow where they do not belong: on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, bladder, and even, in rare cases, in the lungs or brain, the doctor explained. These foci live by their own rules, reacting to hormonal cycles in the same way as a normal endometrium.: they grow, bleed, cause inflammation, adhesions, and unbearable pain that destroys lives day after day.
The symptoms of endometriosis may vary, but there are warning signs that cannot be ignored. Among them are severe, debilitating pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back, rectum or legs; painful sexual intercourse, especially deep, when every contact turns into a test; pain when urinating or defecating during menstruation; copious, prolonged menstruation and intermenstrual spotting; constant fatigue, depression, anxiety, which undermine the psyche infertility — which affects every third woman with endometriosis.
"Endometriosis does not spare anyone: its pain is real, deep and devastating, and to say "this is normal" is to deny the obvious. If someone says "everyone hurts so much," it's a myth. The pain that makes you unable to live fully, work, or study is abnormal. This is a signal from the body that something is wrong with it," said Khanmirzoeva.
Early diagnosis is possible and important. The gynecologist advised keeping a pain diary and contacting a gynecologist at the first sign, undergoing ultrasound, MRI or laparoscopy — a method that allows not only to see the foci, but also to remove them immediately.
The specialist warned that the disease directly affects reproductive health. Adhesions and inflammation can block the patency of the tubes, disrupt ovulation, and create a toxic environment for eggs and embryos. But pregnancy with endometriosis is possible: many women successfully carry children naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The strategy depends on the degree of the disease: natural conception in mild cases, laparoscopy for cysts and adhesions, and the transition to IVF if necessary.
"Treatment is always comprehensive. Drug therapy — hormones, GnRH agonists, progestogens and NSAIDs — relieves pain and slows down the growth of foci. Surgery is indicated for large cysts, adhesions, or infertility. The combined approach is most effective: surgery plus hormone therapy after it reduces the risk of relapses by 50-80%. Psychological support, physiotherapy, a diet with an anti—inflammatory effect and moderate physical activity are also important," the gynecologist noted.
On April 30, Maxim Voynov, a gynecologist and surgeon at the SM Clinic Center for Reproductive Health, told Izvestia about the dangerous symptoms of ovarian cysts. According to him, not all cysts are dangerous. He attributed endometrioid cysts to pathological cysts associated with endometriosis, a condition in which cells similar to those of the uterine mucosa grow outside of it.
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