Endometriosis

Gynecological diseases like endometriosis can seriously impact a woman's feeling of well-being and quality of life as well as pose an economic burden for healthcare systems.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a recurring and persistent disease in women. It is characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus which undergoes menstrual cycle driven proliferation and breakdown. The blood produced is trapped at the site of lesion and can trigger local inflammatory reactions.

Causes of endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is not known. Several theories exist but have not been proven to date. A widely accepted theory is that menstrual tissue flows back ("retrograde menstruation") through the fallopian tubes. The tissue then settles in the pelvic cavity where it is able to attach and grow. This, however, cannot be the sole cause of endometriosis, as not all women who have retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis. 

Who is affected by endometriosis?

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of endometriosis can vary and can include dysmenorrhea, noncyclic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschesia, fatigue and subfertility.

As diagnostic delays of 6–10 years are commonly reported, endometriosis can be both physically and emotionally debilitating, and significantly reduces women’s overall quality of life including negative impacts on academic performance and work productivity. Thus it places a significant economic burden for both healthcare systems and individual women as a result of costly medical and surgical treatment necessary to manage symptoms.

Since 2010 Bayer is offering a treatment option, specifically developed for endometriosis, in Europe, several countries in Latin America and Asia Pacific. It is important for doctors and patients to discuss all available treatment options to ensure the patient receives the best medication for her.