Endometriosis
Normally, the uterus contains mucous membrane-like cells that line its interior and are called the endometrium. Endometriosis occurs when these cells grow outside the uterus. This can lead to menstrual problems, abdominal pain, and pain during sex; in some cases, affected women may also experience infertility.
Endometriosis is classified into three groups according to the location of the endometrial lesions. The first and most common form is called external genital endometriosis. In this case, the endometrial lesions occur in the genital area but outside the uterus. They are located, for example, in the ovaries, in the ligaments supporting the uterus, or in the space between the uterus and rectum. In internal genital endometriosis, endometrial lesions develop within the muscular layer of the uterine wall or in the fallopian tubes. The third form is extragenital endometriosis, in which endometrial lesions can be found in the intestines, bladder, ureters, or even in the lungs, spleen, brain, or skeleton.
The mucous membrane-like cells are dependent on the hormone estrogen and build up and break down during menstruation. During this breakdown, the cells shed slightly, but unlike usual, they are not expelled through the vagina; instead, they remain in the body at the sites of the lesions. This leads to inflammation and adhesions, sometimes causing very severe pain. The pain is not necessarily related to menstruation.
It is unclear why these cells are found outside the uterine lining. Two theories exist. The implantation or transplantation theory suggests that the cells travel back through the fallopian tubes via menstrual blood into the abdominal cavity and from there settle in various locations. The metaplasia theory posits that the cell clusters arise directly on site. One possible explanation for this relates to early embryonic development.
When a patient consults a gynecologist due to diffuse lower abdominal pain or menstrual irregularities, endometriosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis. The physician has various diagnostic options available. Initial indications can be obtained through palpation. An ultrasound examination can then provide a clearer picture. In many cases, however, endometriosis is very difficult to detect, so only a laparoscopy can lead to a reasonably certain diagnosis.
Treatment depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms, the woman's age, and her desire to have children. Conventional medicine offers the option of medication or surgery. Osteopathy provides a complementary or alternative approach to the treatment of endometriosis. Visceral osteopathy, in particular, focuses on the treatment of endometriosis. At TRIUNE, we employ osteopaths specializing in visceral osteopathy. Furthermore, we are currently the only practice using the Endo Stretcher – a device that allows patients to actively participate in their treatment at home.
Treatment depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms, the woman's age, and her desire to have children. Conventional medicine offers the option of medication or surgery. Osteopathy provides a complementary or alternative approach to the treatment of endometriosis. Visceral osteopathy, in particular, focuses on the treatment of endometriosis. At TRIUNE, we employ osteopaths specializing in visceral osteopathy. Furthermore, we are currently the only practice using the Endo Stretcher – a device that allows patients to actively participate in their treatment at home.