Endometriosis Flashcards
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility.
What are the common sites of endometriosis?
Common sites include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, bladder, and bowel.
What are the typical symptoms of endometriosis?
Symptoms include dysmenorrhoea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and infertility.
What is the aetiology of endometriosis?
The exact cause is unclear but may involve retrograde menstruation, genetic factors, immune dysfunction, or coelomic metaplasia.
What is the pathophysiology of endometriosis?
It involves ectopic implantation of endometrial-like tissue, which responds to hormonal cycles, causing inflammation and scarring.
How prevalent is endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects 10-15% of reproductive-aged women.
What are the risk factors for endometriosis?
Risk factors include family history, early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, and shorter menstrual cycles.
What protective factors are associated with endometriosis?
Protective factors include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and use of hormonal contraceptives.
What are the complications of endometriosis?
Complications include chronic pain, infertility, adhesions, and ovarian endometriomas.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical history, pelvic examination, imaging, and confirmed via laparoscopy with histological biopsy.
What are the key findings on pelvic examination in endometriosis?
Findings may include pelvic tenderness, nodularity in the posterior fornix, and adnexal masses.
What imaging modalities are used in endometriosis diagnosis?
Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are commonly used to identify endometriomas and deep infiltrative disease.
What is the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing endometriosis?
Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, allowing direct visualisation of lesions and tissue biopsy for confirmation.
What are the first-line medical treatments for endometriosis?
First-line treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal therapies such as combined oral contraceptives.
What hormonal therapies are used in endometriosis?
Hormonal therapies include progestogens, GnRH agonists, and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).
When is surgery indicated in endometriosis?
Surgery is indicated for severe symptoms, failed medical treatment, infertility, or complications such as endometriomas.
What are the surgical options for endometriosis?
Options include laparoscopic excision or ablation of lesions, adhesiolysis, and hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy in severe cases.
What lifestyle modifications can help manage endometriosis?
Lifestyle changes include regular exercise, dietary adjustments, stress management, and support groups.
How is infertility related to endometriosis managed?
Management includes assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, alongside surgical treatment to improve fertility outcomes.
What is an ovarian endometrioma?
An ovarian endometrioma is a cyst formed by ectopic endometrial tissue within the ovary, also known as a “chocolate cyst.”
What is the prognosis for endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition with variable progression, but symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment.
How does endometriosis affect quality of life?
It can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, mental health issues, and impact relationships and daily activities.
What are the differential diagnoses for endometriosis?
Differential diagnoses include pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, adenomyosis, and ovarian cysts.
What are the typical laparoscopic findings in endometriosis?
Findings include powder-burn lesions, adhesions, ovarian endometriomas, and peritoneal defects.
How can endometriosis recurrence be prevented?
Recurrence can be reduced with hormonal suppression therapies, post-surgical medical treatment, or pregnancy in some cases.
What psychological support is important for patients with endometriosis?
Psychological support includes counselling, education about the condition, and support groups to address emotional and mental health challenges.
