Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue beyond its normal localization (the inner layer of the uterus, which "krovit" once a month). Over the past twenty years, this problem has acquired special significance. The reasons for interest in this issue are caused by an increase in the incidence rate, especially among young women.
Endometriosis can develop in any organ and tissue of the female body, but most often endometrioid cysts of the ovaries are noted.
In this article, we describe in more detail the causes of their development, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Endometrioid ovarian cyst - reasons
The causes of the appearance of the endometrioid ovarian cyst correspond to the common causes of the disease. They are:
- retrograde delivery of menstrual blood through the fallopian tubes (in the immediate vicinity of which the ovaries are located);
- hormonal imbalance;
- hereditary characteristics;
- exhaustion of the body (after long-term infections, increased nervous load);
- frequent operations on the genitals.
Endometrioid ovarian cyst - symptoms
The classic symptoms of the endometrioid ovarian cyst are:
- persistent pain syndrome - pain in the pelvis deep outside menstruation. In 2% of cases, ovarian damage is accompanied by symptoms of an acute abdomen, which appear due to irritation of the peritoneum with rupture of the cyst.
- violation of menstruation - irregular cycle, severe pain during menstruation;
- violation of reproductive function - in 30-40% of cases, women with endometrioid ovarian cyst suffer infertility;
- deterioration of the general condition;
- decrease in ability to work.
But it is important to note that in each individual case, the endometrioid ovarian cysts vary. In some cases, the symptomatology is extremely scarce, which is the reason for the later referral to the doctor.
Endometrioid ovarian cyst - diagnosis
Diagnosis of the endometrioid ovarian cyst is based on the clinical picture (the signs of the disease that we indicated above), as well as on the results of the gynecological examination and additional studies:
- Ultrasound of the small pelvis;
- MRI;
- Diagnostic laparoscopy of the endometrioid ovarian cyst.
The ultrasound of the small pelvis determines the increase in the size of the ovary, as well as a change in its structure. MRI is an expensive and not always available procedure, but it allows you to accurately determine the type of cyst, its size, and the presence in the body of other foci of endometriosis.
The most accurate method of diagnosis is laparoscopy of the endometrioid cyst. This minimally invasive operation allows you to take a cyst biopsy for its detailed study.
Endometrioid ovarian cyst - treatment
The main methods of treatment of the endometrioid ovarian cyst are:
- surgical - according to indications;
- conservative - based on hormone therapy, as well as auxiliary treatment of concomitant symptoms;
- combined.
Hormonal therapy is used in the case of an active endometrioid ovarian cyst. In the case of inactive endometriosis, it activates the process.
Endometrioid ovarian cyst - operation
Unfortunately, in some cases, endometrioid ovarian cysts, hormone therapy is not effective and the disease requires surgery.
After surgery, hormonal therapy continues throughout the year, and the patient is regularly inspected by a gynecologist (every 3 months).