How do I know if I have uterine fibroids or endometriosis?

Endometriosis

This underestimated chronic condition affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. The most important characteristic is the presence of tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) outside the uterus. Endometriosis can occur from the first menstruation. “The most important mechanism of development is the phenomenon of retrograde menstruation: many women will not only lose blood during their menstruation via the vaginal route but also via the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity,” explains Prof. Weyers. “This blood contains cells from the lining of the uterus and these can settle in various places in the abdominal cavity. These foci then continue to grow cyclically, sometimes also bleed into the abdominal cavity, and cause an inflammatory reaction. Not only can this lead to very painful menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination, etc., but it can also affect fertility.”

The easiest way to make endometriosis less active, and therefore also to suppress the pain complaints and bleeding problems, is a form of hormonal treatment. If the complaints are too pronounced or the influence on other organs is too great, surgery may sometimes be necessary.

Fibroids in the uterus

Uterine fibroidsalso called fibroids, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop in or around the uterus. Prof. Weyers: “These tumors vary in size and consist of muscle tissue and fibrous tissue. The condition is common, an estimated 60% to 80% of women of childbearing age will develop uterine fibroids at some point. These are hormone-sensitive (grow under the influence of hormones, especially estrogen) and can develop during the entire fertile life phase (i.e. from the first menstruation to the menopause). They are most common between the ages of 30 and 50 and will decrease in size once the menopause occurs.”

80% of fibroids are asymptomatic. This means that they give you no or hardly any complaints. “If complaints do arise, they mainly concern heavier (and therefore often more painful) menstruations, pressure and discomfort in the lower abdomen and sometimes it can also affect fertility. Here too, hormonal treatment can positively influence the size and complaints of uterine fibroids, other options are embolization (injection of the blood vessels that supply the fibroid with blood) or surgery. In this case, people often immediately think of removing the uterus, but know that in many cases the uterine fibroids can simply be removed and the uterus can therefore be spared,” says Prof. Weyers.

Do you suffer from pelvic or abdominal pain, heavy bleeding or recurring pain before, during or after your period or during sex? Then it is essential that you consult your gynaecologist. Tests will show whether it is a condition, and if so, which one. After the diagnosis, you can work with your gynaecologist treatments discuss to relieve the symptoms and pain caused by your condition. Proper treatment will significantly improve your quality of life.

In collaboration with Gedeon Richter Benelux

2023-288, date of revision 10/2023