Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Clinic is now open at Yeditepe University Hospitals

Yeditepe University Hospitals Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Clinic, which was established to evaluate the causes and consequences of chronic pelvic pain with a multidisciplinary approach, which is common enough to affect one in every 10 women, is operational. Stating that in order to identify the source and cause of pelvic pain, the most appropriate diagnostic tests will be used for the patient's symptoms and planned treatments will be applied by following current advancements in the field, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics, IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar stated, "Our purpose is to bring the quality of life affected by pain back to the pain-free state."

At the meeting held for the opening of the clinic, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar underlined that pelvic pain is observed in 1 out of 10 women and said, "Among the complaints of endometriosis patients coming to us are first-degree abdominal, groin, and menstrual pain, and second-degree infertility. Approximately 30 percent of endometriosis patients may have infertility."  Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics, IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar said that in the Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Clinic, each patient is examined with a multidisciplinary approach by women's health specialists specialized in pelvic pain, together with urology, gastroenterology, general surgery, physical therapy, and psychiatry departments.

Eric Bautrant from France and Jorge Carrillo from the USA attended the opening of the clinic, including Juan Diego Villegas-Echeverri, a member of the International Pelvic Pain Society and former president of the International Pelvic Pain Society, who serves on the Scientific Committee of the Colombian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FECOLSOG).

“Pelvic Pain Treatment Requires Expertise and Experience”

Juan Diego Villegas-Echeverri, who stated that the number of pelvic pain centers is gradually increasing in the world, expressed his views as follows: "Pelvic pain treatment is a special area of expertise and requires experience. Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar has made significant contributions and studies in this field in the USA and all over the world. We have worked together for a very long time in the International Pelvic Pain Association. We have provided great contributions to women's healthcare in general. We continue to provide various trainings and courses in Turkey. It is indisputable that this clinic at Yeditepe University Hospitals will make great contributions to pelvic pain and endometriosis patients. A specialized team must perform the operations of these patients. We will always support this clinic and share all our knowledge, skills, and experience with the Turkish specialists."

“It Can Evolve into A Problem Leading to Depression and Anxiety” 

Highlighting that endometriosis, which is one of the most important factors leading to chronic pelvic pain, is seen in approximately 10 percent of women, Prof. Dr. Attar explained the effects of the disease on women as follows: "The disease we are talking about is not only a simple abdominal, groin or menstrual pain, but also bladder pain, pain during intercourse, vulva pain, restless bowel syndrome, more importantly, migraine headaches and severe depression and anxiety. When severe depression, chronic pain, and infertility are added on top of it, women with this disease have major problems in their family relationships and serious work time problems occur in their professional lives. Therefore, we can say that endometriosis is a disease that affects women socially and individually."

“Widespread But Not Sufficiently Recognized”

Stating that although the disease is so common, it is still not sufficiently recognized, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar continued his words as follows "Besides being common among women, the disease requires laparoscopic intervention for definitive diagnosis. In addition, it also affects individual productivity due to its effect on the patient's quality of life. Increasing social awareness is also important in terms of endometriosis being a costly disease for both the patient and the country. In 2010, we established the Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Association, and we continue to work all over the country to raise awareness of the disease."

“There is a Misconception That It Can Be Cured After Marriage or Pregnancy”

Prof. Dr. Attar said that there is no definite information about the cause of endometriosis yet, but gave information about the causes that may pose a risk: "Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, we have very detailed knowledge about the subject. Studies are being carried out both in our country and abroad to reveals some causes of the disease. For example, we know that the hormone estrogen triggers endometriosis. In addition, what we define as reverse menstrual blood flow, that is, the flow of menstrual blood into the abdominal cavity, can also cause the disease to occur. Genetic factors are also important. Apart from this, it should be said that environmental factors are also becoming increasingly important."

“Diagnosis Process May Cause Time Loss for the Patient”

Highlighting that endometriosis patients lose time due to seeking solutions in different branches in order to be diagnosed, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar attributed this situation to the lack of sufficient awareness. Stating that the process until the correct diagnosis is made can reach up to 7 years, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar said, "There is a false belief that this pain can be normal, especially in young girls with menstrual pain, and that it can improve with marriage or pregnancy. During the waiting period until the diagnosis is made, the disease progresses gradually and can lead to much more serious problems."

“Measures to Improve Women's Quality of Life Should Be Implemented”

Highlighting that since endometriosis affects many systems in the body, a multidisciplinary approach is required in its treatment, Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics, IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar stated, "We are one of the centers working on pelvic pain and endometriosis in our country. Obviously, endometriosis patients were treated before. However, now our patients are evaluated by a team working with a multidisciplinary approach. All complaints of the patients are evaluated and treated together,"

"It may not always be possible to relieve the pain of pelvic pain and endometriosis patients. For this reason, measures should also be implemented to improve the quality of life of the woman during the treatment." Prof. Dr. Erkut Ettar concluded his words as follows: "In addition, especially advanced endometriosis or infiltrative endometriosis requires a very difficult surgical process, and surgeries should be performed by a special team. Therefore, experience is very important in all processes of treatment."

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