What are the symptoms of endometriosis that require treatment?

Typical symptoms of endometriosis include dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and menstrual abnormalities. Most patients require treatment, especially when symptoms affect quality of life or lead to complications.

1) Common symptoms of endometriosis:

- Dysmenorrhea: This is the most common symptom, with pain usually concentrated before and during menstruation and may be accompanied by a dull ache in the lower back and groin. The severity of the pain may increase as the condition progresses.

-Chronic pelvic pain: Some patients experience persistent or intermittent pain in the pelvic area even when not menstruating.

- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant: Misplaced endometrial tissue can cause inflammation and adhesions, interfering with the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, leading to infertility problems.

- Abnormal menstruation: Heavy menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, or spotting between periods may be a manifestation of endometriosis.

Other less common symptoms may include painful defecation, uncomfortable urination, and low back pain. The specific symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the ectopic area.

2) Does endometriosis need treatment?

Whether treatment is needed depends on the specific condition and the impact on the patient's life. In general, patients with the following conditions are recommended to seek medical treatment in a timely manner:

① Severe symptoms: such as significantly aggravated dysmenorrhea, affecting daily work and life;

② Infertility: If you have been trying to get pregnant for 1 year but have not succeeded;

③Symptoms may progress: such as long-term pain in the pelvic area, which may indicate worsening of the lesion.

3) Treatment options:

Common treatments for endometriosis include medication, surgery, and adjuvant therapy:

①Drug treatment:

- Hormonal therapy is the mainstay of treatment and relieves symptoms by inhibiting the growth of the endometrium, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, combined oral contraceptives, and progestin medications.

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, such as ibuprofen, can be used as a first-line analgesic option.

②Surgical treatment: It is suitable for those who are not effective with drugs or have fertility needs. The following surgeries can be selected:

- Laparoscopic removal of ectopic endometrial tissue;

-Hysterectomy is performed in severe cases, but it is recommended to preserve ovarian function and avoid complete menopause as much as possible;

-Adhesion lysis improves tubal patency.

③Lifestyle adjuvant therapy:

-Dietary adjustment: Eat more foods rich in vitamin B, D and omega-3 fatty acids, and reduce high-fat and high-sugar foods;

-Regular exercise: Moderate yoga or Pilates can help relieve pain and anxiety.

For people who experience symptoms of endometriosis, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis, and have a professional doctor select an appropriate treatment plan based on the condition to avoid further complications caused by delayed treatment and improve quality of life.