The population of microorganisms that reside in the vagina and cervix of patients with stage 3/4 endometriosis differs from that of healthy controls, suggesting a potential role of microorganism imbalance in this condition, according to a study. The study, titled “The Endobiota Study: Comparison of Vaginal,...
Despite being rare, endometriosis can appear or come back after menopause. Doctors should be aware of this, particularly if there are complaints of pelvic pain or heavy bleeding, and they must not underestimate the risk of the disease progressing into cancer, an opinion piece written by...
Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose. A recent study showed that it usually takes 7-12 years from first experiencing symptoms to diagnosis. A private company (MDNA Life Sciences) announced that it is to launch the world’s first blood test for endometriosis, able to detect the...
Resveratrol, a natural substance present in many edible plants, is able to lower the levels of two enzymes, MMP-2 and MMP-9, which have been implicated in the development of endometriosis and associated infertility, an exploratory trial suggests. The compound has anti-inflammatory properties that may have therapeutic...
Endometriosis may affect all aspects of a woman's life, including sexual relations, social activities, emotional well-being and work productivity. The disease is costly. Claims data show that average annual health care costs (medical and prescription) are more than three times higher for women with endometriosis compared...
By I Soussis MD Contraceptive implants Implanon NXT and Mirena significantly curb pelvic pain and menstrual cramping in women with endometriosis, improving their health-related quality of life, researchers from Spain report. The study, “Control of endometriosis-associated pain with etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant and 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: randomized...
By I.Soussis MD Estrogen could be responsible for endometriosis-associated chronic pain by activating a type of immune cells called macrophages and nerve cells, which increases inflammation and sensitivity, according to a review study. The article “Villainous role of estrogen in macrophage-nerve interaction in endometriosis” was published in...
By I. Soussis MD Women with endometriosis are 1.9 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer, but are at no higher risk for endometrial and cervical cancers, a meta-analysis suggests. The study, “Impact of endometriosis on risk of ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers: a meta-analysis,” was published...
By I Soussis MD Deficiency of a protein in the womb has been identified as the reason why endometriosis causes infertility, according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine. American and South Korean researchers investigated the link between endometriosis and infertility. In endometriosis, womb-lining tissue...
By I.Soussis MD A prospective cohort study found that women reporting severe and/or chronic abuse of multiple types during childhood and adolescence had a 79% higher risk of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis. Severe abuse was defined as being kicked, bitten, punched or physically attacked more than once, or...
