Endometriosis: Pathophysiology and Treatment

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pain and inflammation.

#### Common Symptoms

• Dysmenorrhea: Extremely painful menstrual cramps.
• Dyspareunia: Pain during or after sexual intercourse.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Constant, dull, or sharp pain throughout the cycle.
• Subfertility: Difficulty conceiving due to pelvic adhesions.

#### Treatment Strategies

• Medical Management: NSAIDs for pain relief; hormonal therapies (progestins, GnRH agonists) to suppress ovulation and endometrial growth.
• Surgical Management: Laparoscopic excision of lesions. Excision surgery is preferred over ablation to reduce recurrence.