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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease that impairs the quality of life and causes long-term pain and possible infertility. Book an appointment with a gynaecologist if you have symptoms of endometriosis, such as severe menstrual pain.
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LT, Naistentautien ja synnytysten erikoislääkäri
Revised 11/19/2024
Endometriosis in brief
- In endometriosis, tissue that resembles the endometrial mucosa exists outside the uterus.
- Up to 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis.
- The symptoms of endometriosis can start during the teenage years, but they usually improve with menopause.
- The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but it is associated with a genetic predisposition.
Endometriosis, a disease in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterus
In endometriosis, tissue that resembles the endometrial mucosa exists outside the uterus, most commonly on the surfaces of the uterus and its adjacent tissues, the ovaries, the bladder and the intestines. This tissue reacts to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle as the endometrial tissue would. This causes a chronic or prolonged inflammatory response in the endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which may lead to the development of scar tissue and tissue adhesions. Endometriosis can also manifest as endometrial cysts in the ovaries, also known as endometriomas.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The symptoms of endometriosis typically depend on the location of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. In most cases, menstrual pain is present, and it can begin several days before bleeding occurs. Endometriosis can also involve pain during intercourse, urination and defecation. It is also possible to experience more urinary incontinence than usually. In some cases, the only symptom of endometriosis is infertility.
Typical symptoms of endometriosis include:
- painful menstruation
- lower abdominal pain
- pain during defecation
- pain during urination
- pain during intercourse
- abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as spotting
- infertility
Examination and diagnosis of endometriosis
Book an appointment with a gynaecologist if you have symptoms of endometriosis, such as severe menstrual pain. If you are nervous about an appointment with a gynaecologist or a gynaecological examination, mention this to your gynaecologist. We will do our best to make the gynaecological examination and treatment as pleasant as possible.
The symptoms and the results of a gynaecological examination indicate the onset of endometriosis. The uterus and its adjacent tissues are hypersensitive in the examination, and an ultrasound scan can be used to detect endometrial cysts in the ovaries. An accurate endometriosis diagnosis can be made with endoscopic surgery. However, this is not often necessary, as the treatment can already be initiated when the presence of endometriosis is suspected.
Treatment of endometriosis
Curative pharmacological treatment of endometriosis does not exist, but the symptoms can be eased effectively. The progress of the disease can be prevented or slowed down by using hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or a hormonal intrauterine device, and the related pain can be treated with pain medication. If a woman with endometriosis wishes to become pregnant, hormonal contraceptives are not used, but the treatment is symptomatic.
- Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or a hormonal intrauterine device.
- Symptomatic treatment, such as pain medication.
- Operation. In the most severe cases of endometriosis, surgical treatment might be necessary.
Endometriosis can cause infertility
Most endometriosis patients can become pregnant spontaneously, but endometriosis can also cause infertility by disturbing the functionality of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Approximately one in four patients who suffer from infertility are diagnosed with endometriosis. The more severe the endometriosis is, the more likely it is to cause infertility.
Infertility caused by endometriosis can be treated. After initiating the treatment of endometriosis, approximately 20% of patients become spontaneously pregnant within 6 months. If, despite the treatment, a spontaneous pregnancy is not possible, the most effective mode of treatment is in vitro fertilisation.
Information about infertilityPrices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 10 min Price per appointment. | from 27,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 57,20 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 46,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 76,20 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 55,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 85,20 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 66,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 96,20 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 69,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 95,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 132,00 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 108,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 148,00 € |
Gynaecology-related problems
Lower abdominal pain in women
The most common causes for lower abdominal pain are either intestinal or gynaecological.
Ovarian cyst
An ovarian fluid-filled sac is often harmless and asymptomatic, but may sometimes require surgery.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and fever.
Urinary tract infection
A need to urinate frequently and a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
human papilloma virus (HPV)
a good tendency to heal, but it should be monitored so that the infection does not persist and progress to cancer.
Frequently asked questions about endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease. In endometriosis, tissue that resembles the endometrial mucosa exists outside the uterus, most commonly on the surfaces of the uterus and its adjacent tissues, the ovaries, the bladder and the intestines. This tissue reacts to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle as the endometrial tissue would. Menstrual pain is a typical symptom, and it can begin several days before bleeding occurs.
Endometriosis can be diagnosed at an appointment with a gynaecologist. The symptoms and the results of a gynaecological examination indicate the onset of endometriosis. The uterus and its adjacent tissues are hypersensitive in the examination, and an ultrasound scan can be used to detect endometrial cysts in the ovaries. An accurate endometriosis diagnosis can be made with an endoscopic surgery. However, this is not often necessary, as the treatment can already be initiated when the presence of endometriosis is suspected.
Endometriosis can cause infertility by impairing the functionality of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Approximately one in four patients who suffer from infertility are diagnosed with endometriosis. The more severe the endometriosis is, the more likely it is to cause infertility.