What Is Endometriosis?

Approximately 10% of females of child-bearing age are impacted by endometriosis globally, according to the World Health Organization. It is a long-lasting disease that significantly impacts the quality of life. This blog aims to explore in-depth the nature, signs, symptoms, and potential treatment options for this debilitating condition.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

To understand the symptoms of endometriosis, we must first understand what endometriosis is. The endometrial lining is the part of the uterus that sheds during the menstrual cycle every month. When the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterine cavity, the condition is known as endometriosis. 


Most patients who seek treatment for endometriosis in Turkey are between 20 to 30 years of age. Research suggests that endometriosis in Turkey impacts approximately 18% of Turkish women of reproductive age. Common 20 symptoms of endometriosis include:


  • Painful menstruation

  • Back pain and abdominal pain during periods

  • Heavy periods (Excessive bleeding)

  • Spotting between periods

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Bloating

  • Constipation 

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Fertility issues

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Painful bowel movements (painful defecation)

  • Pain during peeing (painful micturition)

  • Pain and discomfort due to vaginal inflammation

  • Frequent urge to pee

  • Pelvic discomfort when sitting for a prolonged period

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Bleeding from the rectum

  • Leg pain


Although this condition is not 100% curable, endometriosis management in Istanbul is becoming popular due to the ease of access to high-quality care options.


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What causes endometriosis?

What causes endometriosis is still a mystery. Healthcare providers point to various theories that may be the cause of symptoms and signs of endometriosis. One theory suggests that as the menstrual blood containing endometrial cells passes through the cervix, there is some backflow into the pelvic cavity that leads to the seeding of these cells outside of the uterus.


Another theory is of metaplasia of cells. It suggests that the cells outside of the uterus undergo metaplastic endometrial-like changes, causing endometriosis. Patients from all over the world avail of medical and surgical management of endometriosis in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey. The choice of endometriosis treatment in Turkey is due to the availability of affordable healthcare and skilled medical professionals. One of the things giving hope to many patients is the rise of minimally invasive surgical options for endometriosis management in Turkey such as laparoscopic surgery.


Other possible causes of endometriosis include changes in peritoneal cells, weak immune system, post-cesarean section scarring trapping endometrial cells, transformation of the embryonic cells, etc.

Sites For Endometriosis

Common sites for the development of the endometrial tissue in endometriosis include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the peritoneal lining, behind the uterus, and in the muscle layer of the uterus (myometrium). There is some risk of the condition developing in areas such as the rectum, vagina, bladder, intestines, lungs, or even the diaphragm. 


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What are some of the risk factors for endometriosis?

Endometriosis is an equal-opportunity disease as it impacts patients of any ethnicity and background. Risk factors that may lead to endometriosis in Turkey and all over the world include:

Menstruation Issues

A common risk factor among patients seeking treatment for endometriosis in Turkey is menstruation issues. These include short duration of menstruation, heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle (lasting more than seven days), menstrual cycle starting at an early age, late menopause, and retrograde (backflow) of menstrual blood into the pelvis.

Estrogen Levels

Elevated estrogen levels (due to any cause) are another possible risk factor for developing endometriosis symptoms.

BMI

BMI stands for the Body Mass Index. There is some possibility of a connection between low BMI and the development of endometriosis.

Family History

People with family members (first-degree) suffering from endometriosis have a higher risk of developing the disease. 

Late Childbirth

Women who don’t have children or have them later on in life are also at risk for developing symptoms of endometriosis.

Research into other possible risk factors and causes of endometriosis in Turkey and the rest of the world is ongoing. During the management of endometriosis in Istanbul, hospitals and clinics provide personalized medical and surgical care plans to improve symptoms and restore quality of life.


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What complications can endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that lasts throughout the reproductive years. Proper knowledge of the disease and its long-term prognosis leads to better monitoring and timely treatment. Both local and international patients with endometriosis in Turkey are benefiting from this increased awareness and improved medical expertise. Patients seek treatment options for endometriosis in Turkey to avoid the following complications:


  • Infertility 

  • Formation of endometrioma (ovarian cysts)

  • Chronic pain (pelvis)

  • Fibrous tissue formation

  • Scarring

  • Intestinal and bladder complications

  • Anxiety, depression

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Increased risk for malignancies (Ovarian, adenocarcinomas)


According to some statistics, approximately 30% to 40% of females with endometriosis suffer from fertility-related issues. Surgical and medical care are provided for endometriosis in Istanbul to reduce the risk of complications and prevent severe fertility issues. 

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Similar to the rest of the world, endometriosis in Turkey is a cause for concern for many females. For an endometriosis diagnosis in Turkey, the healthcare providers make use of the following investigations:


  • Detailed history and examination

  • Pelvic examination

  • MRI (used for both diagnosis and surgical planning)

  • Ultrasound (may be standard or transvaginal)

  • Laparoscopy


One of the reasons many females seek treatment for endometriosis in Istanbul or other parts of Turkey is the availability and relative affordability of the latest investigations and management options.

What is the treatment for endometriosis?

Available treatment options for endometriosis in Turkey include both medicines and endometriosis surgeries. Almost all treatment plans aim to decrease and manage the intensity of endometriosis symptoms and reduce the risk of possible complications. The endometriosis treatment options in Turkey are as follows:


  • Medications for pain management (NSAIDs)

  • Hormonal therapies (Contraceptives)

  • Laparoscopic removal of endometrial tissue

  • Treatments for fertility

  • Removal of ovaries and uterus (last resort)


The mainstay of endometriosis treatments in Istanbul and the rest of the world is to preserve fertility, manage pain, and prevent possible complications.

Can endometriosis be prevented?

It is difficult to prevent endometriosis as its exact cause is not known. However, possible preventive measures may include being vigilant of early symptoms, maintaining estrogen levels, and an active lifestyle. 


If you are someone battling with endometriosis, you can avail of the best possible care options at the Medical Park Hospitals in Turkey. Spread across many cities in the country, these state-of-the-art healthcare facilities boast international certifications (JCI) and provide the latest treatment options for endometriosis management in Istanbul and many other metropolitan centers. With an impressive 5300-bed capacity and a combined 210 sterile operating rooms, there is no better choice than the Medical Park Hospitals for both local and international patients.

Dr. Lect Ahmet Rıza Esmer
Medical Park Gebze
Gynecology and Obstetrics
  • Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Urogynecological Surgery
  • Urinary Incontinence Treatment
  • Infertility
  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Normal Delivery
  • Pregnancy Follow-Up
  • Ultrasonography