What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that commonly affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) outside the uterus, where it may involve the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other areas within the pelvis or abdomen.
Endometriosis lesions may respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Over time, this process may contribute to inflammation, adhesions, cyst formation and pain. When endometriosis affects the ovaries, it may form cysts known as ovarian endometriomas.
📊 How Common Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is estimated to affect approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide.
Some women may have few or no symptoms, while others may experience pelvic pain, severe menstrual pain or difficulty becoming pregnant.
Symptoms
Severe menstrual pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Chronic pelvic pain
Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding
Difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility)
Some women may have no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can endometriosis be prevented?
There is currently no proven way to completely prevent endometriosis. Hormonal treatments may be considered in appropriate patients to manage endometriosis-related symptoms and, in some circumstances, to reduce the development or recurrence of ovarian endometriomas.
Can endometriosis affect fertility?
Endometriosis can make it more difficult for some women to become pregnant, but not every woman with endometriosis is infertile.
When planning pregnancy, factors such as age, ovarian reserve, the location and extent of the disease, tubal status and other fertility factors are considered together. Assisted reproductive treatments may be considered when appropriate.
Can endometriosis become cancerous?
Endometriosis is a benign condition. Although certain types of endometriosis have been associated with a small increase in the risk of specific ovarian cancers, the great majority of women with endometriosis do not develop cancer.
When is surgery considered?
The decision to perform surgery is not based on cyst size alone. The severity of symptoms, characteristics of an endometrioma, age, ovarian reserve, reproductive plans, location of disease and other clinical factors are considered together.
Does diet affect endometriosis?
There is no specific diet or herbal treatment proven to cure endometriosis. A balanced diet is important for general health, and individualized dietary adjustments may help some patients manage digestive symptoms or support overall well-being.
Endometriosis and Pregnancy
Endometriosis may affect fertility in some women. However, many women with endometriosis can become pregnant naturally or, when necessary, with the help of assisted reproductive treatments.
Treatment planning is individualized according to factors such as age, ovarian reserve, disease characteristics and reproductive goals.
The Role of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Endometriosis may sometimes affect different organs and tissues, including the bowel, urinary system or nerve structures. In these cases, assessment by more than one medical specialty may be appropriate.
When necessary, specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, urology, pain management and reproductive medicine may be involved in treatment planning.
The approach is determined according to the location and extent of the disease, symptoms, previous treatments and the individual circumstances of each patient.
International Accreditation
Prof. Dr. Ercan Baştu is accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a “Master Surgeon in Multidisciplinary Endometriosis Care.”
SRC is an independent organization that evaluates surgical practice according to defined quality and process criteria.