In Germany, an estimated 10-15% of all women are of childbearing age endometriosis affected. This gynecological disease accompanies in part the most severe menstrual pain on. Unfortunately, such complaints are still often considered “normal” in society. Something should change about this, according to several specialized companies in a recently published publication fact sheet.
Endometriosis is a widespread disease that is usually accompanied by severe menstrual pain. Attention to this female disease continues to grow. In order to improve understanding of this, the Endometriosis Working Group (AGEM), in cooperation with the Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) and the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), published a fact sheet on endometriosis.
One of the most common benign gynecological diseases
As in the one published by the DGGG To write is explained, endometriosis describes the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. If such foci develop in the small pelvis outside the uterus, then one speaks of endometriosis in the narrow sense. If they develop in the muscles of the uterine wall, it is called adenomyosis.
The foci can develop superficially in the peritoneum, but also infiltrate deeply – then they can cross the boundaries of the organs and develop into the intestine, bladder or ureter or pass into the ovaries and there the cysts of endometriosis, called endometriomas form.
Foci of endometriosis are accompanied by a sometimes very pronounced chronic disease inflammatory reaction accompanied, which can also lead to adhesions of the organs between them. Like the parent cells, foci are sensitive to hormones, including estrogen and corpus luteum hormones.
Therefore, it is usually referred to as an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease that affects those affected during the reproductive phase of life. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of the mentioned population are affected, which makes endometriosis one of the most common diseases. benign gynecological diseases.
Usually associated with severe symptoms
Adenomyosis and endometriosis are usually associated with severe symptoms, including intense menstrual pain (which can lead to incapacity for work, requires pain medication and is often associated with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), cyclic pain and acyclic in the lower abdomen, but also cyclic pain. during urination, defecation and/or pain during intercourse.
With increasing pain duration, central sensitization mechanisms set in and reflex secondary muscle tension in the pelvic floor can further intensify symptoms.
As part of the mechanisms of spinal hyperalgesia, the pain threshold is lowered and affected individuals may thus increasingly develop overlapping pain syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome, painful bladder syndrome and vulvodynia to chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are also common unfulfilled desire to have children associated.
Early start of necessary treatment
the early initiation Adequate therapy is necessary, but due to the absence of organic findings during gynecological examination in the early stages, treatment often begins only after a long period of time.
The situation is also complicated by the lack of billing options for medical services for suspected endometriosis, which should include a detailed pain history and an extensive ultrasound. A correspondent advisory about endometriosis, the initiation and support of drug therapy are also not presented.
the disease can be influenced
The number of menstrual bleedings, the intensity of the pain as well as the ultrasound signs of adenomyosis are taken into account risk factors for the development of endometriosis.
However, the cause of endometriosis has not yet been identified. Therefore, the causes are missing so far treatment options. Nevertheless, the disease can be influenced! Drug (analgesic or hormone therapy) and surgical approaches are available.
Multimodal pain therapy and complementary procedures have also been shown to be helpful. There have already been positive experiences with acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy and phytotherapy (phytotherapy), the self-help organization Endometriosis-Vereinigung Deutschland eV reports on their website.
An anti-inflammatory diet with active herbal ingredients may also help relieve symptoms.
However, it is problematic that for a complete and effective therapy of endometriosis, the structural conditions of our health care system are missing – and therefore need to be adjusted.
Victims are often not understood
Specialist societies and designated working groups support the request catalog of the self-help organization Endometriosis-Vereinigung Deutschland eV and stand by those affected.
This is, among other things, a Structural adjustment endometriosis centres, adaptation of treatment, introduction of adequate billing options, adequate coverage of costs, introduction of mandatory continuing education programs, introduction of screening and promotion of research .
It should be emphasized that from an insufficiency clarification At a young age and external influencing factors, the management of menstrual pain in our society no longer seems relevant.
Menstrual pain is often still considered normal and therefore not discussed. Only 50% of the people concerned talk about their problem; because they often no understanding experienced, they try to accept the situation.
Those who sought medical help were told everything was “normal” like 50% of the time survey of the organization Plan International showed.
Educational campaigns must be rooted in schools, removal of taboos as well as factual information seems appropriate; Ways to manage pain should be shown. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.
Mechsner, Sylvia: Early detection program at Charité: finally taking endometriosis seriously; in: Deutsches Ärzteblatt, (consulted on: November 7, 2022), German medical journal
Endometriosis Association Germany eV: Endometriosis: Therapies and Treatment Options, (Accessed: November 7, 2022), Endometriosis Association Germany eV
Plan International: Menstrual poverty, taboos and lack of knowledge: menstruation in Germany, (accessed on: November 7, 2022), International level
Important Note: This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.