Endometriosis – A Debilitating Condition

Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women, yet it remains relatively unknown to the public, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This chronic condition often results in extended periods of illness, medical interventions, and infertility treatments, significantly impacting the quality of life for those affected.

The disease occurs when the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grows outside the uterus, forming small cysts typically on the ovaries and abdominal wall. These cysts, akin to the uterine lining, shed during menstruation, causing abdominal pain and chronic inflammation.

Causes unknown

Despite ongoing research, the exact causes of endometriosis remain elusive. Current theories suggest a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors, including retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen. Recent studies also implicate stem cells in the disease's development, offering potential insights into its pathogenesis.

Researchers are investigating various stem cell markers and gene expressions associated with endometriosis to develop targeted therapies that may improve fertility and reduce symptoms. Additionally, ongoing studies explore the link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer, aiming to identify early markers for cancer development and potential preventive treatments.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for endometriosis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with pain relief, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions. However, researchers strive to expand knowledge about the disease's underlying causes, its impact on fertility, and its association with ovarian cancer to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Endometriosis featured in Medicinsk Vetenskap

Endometriosis research is featured in the latest issue of Medicinsk Vetenskap, shedding light on the significant impact of pain and bleeding on women's lives. Researcher Sebastian Gidlöf discusses the challenges faced in studying endometriosis and the need for increased funding and basic knowledge.

“Research on gynaecological diseases is generally neglected and has a difficult time getting funding,” explains Dr. Gidlöf, gynaecologist and researcher at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Women’s and Children’s Health and the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology. “However, endometriosis research is further constrained by the difficulties of using a reliable animal model, so there is a lack of basic knowledge on how the disease arises.”

Endometriosis places an enormous burden on the sufferers and on society since it affects younger women of child-bearing and working age. For women, apart from the suffering it causes, it also means time off of work and a reduction in income. For society, it means an economic burden comparable to that associated with other chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease or diabetes, largely due to sufferers’ reduced work capacity.

Would you like to help scientists discover the causes of endometriosis and how it can be cured? Make a donation to research online or contact us at theDevelopment Office.

For further information on endometriosis, contact the Swedish Endometriosis Association, a non-profit society dedicated to spreading knowledge about the disease and supporting sufferers. See www.endometriosforeningen.se