Endometriosis, popularly known as “chocolate cyst”, can turn women's lives into a nightmare. This disease affects not only the reproductive system but the whole body. Gynecology, Obstetrics and Fertility Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut ATTAR pointed out that the disease has many hidden dangers and said, “Endometriosis is a chronic and complex problem that deeply affects the quality of life of women. Because the disease is not limited to pelvic pain and reproductive problems. It also poses a risk for many problems from migraine to IBS, depression to heart diseases. Therefore, understanding and managing endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach.” Prof. ATTAR said, “Although one in every 10 women has endometriosis, awareness is very low. Women usually postpone going to the doctor, which leads to the progression of the disease. If there is severe menstrual pain, you should definitely see a doctor.”
Pointing out that the hidden danger in endometriosis is the accompanying diseases (comorbidity), our specialist said, “A few of the accompanying diseases are inflammatory colon syndrome, restless bowel syndrome, musculoskeletal system pain, painful bladder syndrome and migraine headaches. Depression, anxiety and sleep disorders are also common. It is also known that the disease is closely associated with some types of cancer.”

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful disease that occurs when tissue that should be inside the uterus settles and grows in different organs outside the uterus. Endometriosis can have many different causes.

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis mostly manifests itself with abdominal, groin and menstrual pain and becomes chronic over time. Another symptom of the disease is infertility. This is one of the reasons that bring the patient to the physician. Infertility is seen in 30 percent of endometriosis patients.

Who Has Endometriosis?

Prof. Dr. ATTAR pointed out that severe menstrual pain seen in adolescent girls is usually dismissed as “it will pass after marriage” and said that this is a mistake and added: “If you miss school or work because of menstrual pain, the situation should be taken seriously. Do not hesitate to go to the doctor.”

Which diseases is endometriosis associated with?

Underlining that endometriosis is a complex problem that seriously affects the quality of life of women, our expert said that the disease is not only pelvic pain and reproductive problems, and that the picture can turn into a complete syndrome with the accompanying diseases it brings with it. Stating that the disease, which is linked to conditions such as migraine, painful bladder syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), musculoskeletal system pain, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and even heart diseases, can leave deep marks on both physical and psychological health, Prof. Dr. ATTAR said, “The relationship between these diseases, which can coexist, has not been clearly established. Either these diseases are seen first and then endometriosis develops, or one or more of these problems are seen after endometriosis develops. Therefore, understanding and managing endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach.”

Which Diseases are the “Evil Twins” in Endometriosis?

Explaining that one of the common diseases associated with endometriosis is bladder pain syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis, Prof. Dr. ATTAR said, “When the two are seen together, this picture is called ‘devil twins’. Sixty percent of patients with bladder pain syndrome also have endometriosis. In other words, the vast majority of patients suffer from this condition. In addition to a serious decrease in the quality of life of the woman, it also causes loss of labor force. Because it causes a very serious loss of labor force or a decrease in the quality of life in the patient.”

If Endometriosis Is Not Treated Early, Will Comorbidities Increase?

Stating that if endometriosis is not treated early, there will be an increase in comorbidities, Prof. Dr. ATTAR continued his words as follows: “If the pain is severe in young girls who start menstruating, if it causes them to miss school or work and affects their quality of life, this must be investigated. If the disease progresses, it can damage the ovaries and form cysts. These cysts can cause a decrease in ovarian capacity due to both themselves and the biochemicals they produce.”
Pointing out that endometriosis can cause ovarian cancer in particular, Prof. Dr. Erkut ATTAR said, “Although it is also thought to be linked to breast, stomach and intestinal cancers, more studies are needed in this regard. Therefore, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more possible it is to reduce the risks. Therefore, regular health checks are very important for women.”

Pain in endometriosis should not be dismissed by saying “It will pass when you get married”!

Stating that the most important problem is the diagnosis process because awareness is low, Prof. Dr. ATTAR concluded his words as follows: “Menstrual pain in young girls is dismissed as 'it will pass after marriage or childbirth'. Therefore, the diagnosis takes 7 years and these patients visit an average of 7 physicians before starting treatment. This waste of time causes the disease to progress and lead to more serious problems. Afterwards, comorbidities, which we call comorbidities, become more common or infertility deepens. Pain in endometriosis can be controlled, but it is a recurrent disease. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the patient under constant observation.”