By Özge ÖzkayaStudy Sheds Light on the Molecular Mechanism of Endometriosis Lesion Formation
By Özge Özkaya
The production of a protein called Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain 1 (NOD1) in ectopic mesenchymal stem cells may be associated with the formation of ectopic endometrial lesions, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Stem Cells. This…
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By Hale Goksever CelikIs there any relationship between age at diagnosis and the severity of endometriosis?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease mostly encountered in reproductive-aged women. Early diagnosis is important, as endometriosis impairs the quality of life. The most accepted theory is that endometriosis is a progressive disease and its stage increases with age. Dr.…
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Long-term Dienogest Treatment and the Chance of Conceiving With IVF
By Özge Özkaya
It is not clear whether long-term treatment with dienogest before in vitro fertilization (IVF) affects pregnancy and live birth rates in women with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. “Given limited…
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By Selma OransayEarly use of hormonal contraceptives and the probability of endometriosis diagnosis later in life
By Selma Oransay
Hormonal contraceptives are the first-line medical treatment of endometriosis. If an adolescent has chronic pelvic pain and is an "unresponder" to hormonal therapy, the likelihood of having an "endometriosis diagnosis" is higher. This sign should warn clinicians about endometriosis diagnosis…
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Early diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis in adolescence
By Selma Oransay
Dysmenorrhea is widely observed in adolescence, and endometriosis is one of its causes. However, endometriosis diagnosis is usually made after 25 years of age. It is clear that early diagnosis and management of this progressive disease is essential and will…
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Psychological effect of endometriosis due to chronic pelvic pain
By Hale Goksever Celik
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, all of which affect the quality of women’s lives. Early diagnosis and management are important as endometriosis impairs the quality of life of patients and creates a…
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New Predictive Model Can Identify Minimal and Mild Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Researchers from China developed a predictive model that can identify minimal and mild endometriosis in infertile women. The paper appeared in the March 2024 issue of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. “This model would assist clinicians in screening infertile…
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Management of uterine adenomyomas with percutaneous cryoablation.
By Selma Oransay
Adenomyosis can negatively affect the quality of life by causing abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia. It is often associated with endometriomas and/or leiomyomas. Treatment of the disease differs as conservative or radical, as well as pharmacological or surgical. For…
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By Eylül GÜNCurrent status of non-invasive biomarkers for endometriosis
By Eylül GÜN
Laparoscopy has been the gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis, however, the understanding of how many people have the condition is limited because not everyone undergoes surgery. The different treatment modalities for patients with unexplained infertility and the invasiveness…
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By Nasuhi Engin AydinEndometriosis vs. adenomyosis : is there a common pathogenesis ?
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
This is a collaborative review on the pathophysiology of adenomyosis and endometriosis by academicians of the University of Leicester, UK; Fudan University, Shanghai, China and Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, published in a recent issue of “Biomolecules”. The pathophysiology of…
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Spontaneous Conception After Deep Endometriosis Surgery
By Selma Oransay
Deep endometriosis is a severe form of endometriosis where lesions invade deeper than 5 mm into subperitoneal space. Surgical management of the disease is a challenging task requiring a multi-disciplinary approach and significant expertise in the field. Anastomotic leaks, fistula,…
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Psychosocial Factors Must Be Taken Into Account When Dealing With Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
It is crucial to take into account both physical and psychosocial factors to maintain physical and mental health in patients with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Psychology & Health. “Treatment should address both pelvic…
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Complementary and alternative therapies for managing acyclic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
The quality of life in women with endometriosis is affected depending on the symptoms and signs of endometriosis such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Because of different clinical spectrum and diagnostic delays, there is no optimum management…
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Pregnancy outcomes of women with endometriosis/adenomyosis.
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are diseases presented by ectopic growth of endometrial-gland-like tissues, which we can find in ovaries, pelvic organs, and myometrium. These diseases are causes of hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Although the number of reports about…
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The effect of medical treatment on sexual function and quality of life in women with endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis suffer from dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain, all of which has significant negative consequences on their physical and psychological health regarding sexual function, work and social relationships. Biasioli et al. from Italy, published an article entitled…
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Family history of endometriosis and its characteristics
By Selma Oransay
Depression and migraine are two familial disorders affected by menstrual cycle and endometriosis patients have an increased likelihood of suffering from these comorbidities. A correlation of endometriosis, migraine and depression has been already reporteed in the literature, however a link for…
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Quantification of nerve bundle density as a biomarker for endometriosis utilizing PGP9.5 immunostaining
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Scientists from Netherlands and Canada have published their authentic study on immunohistochemically assessed nerve fiber bundles of endometriotic tissues in a recent issue of Frontiers in Reproductive Health. Endometriotic tissues have nerve fibers which are stimulated in inflammatory processes leading…
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The urgent need for research and compassionate care in endometriosis
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis, a common yet little-known inflammatory disorder, has significant patient and public health impacts due to underinvestment in its research and care. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate care persist due to reliance on surgical methods and limited advancements in medical therapies.…
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Novel high-risk candidate genes for familial endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a genetic background resulting in familial clustering. Although multiple susceptibility loci have been identified in genome-wide association studies, high-risk predisposing variants have not been defined yet. A group of scientists from Finland, published a study…
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Increasing awareness of the scientific community on nano-particles for endometriosis.
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Academicians from various disciplines from multiple Italian institutions have published their review on the possible role of nanotechology to deal with the management of endometriosis in a recent issue of scientific periodical Nanoscale. Nanotechnology is the science and engineering where…
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Diagnosis and the Treatment of Postmenopausal Endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
About 190 million women around the world are diagnosed with endometriosis. The majority of the cases are between 30 and 40 years of age. After menopause, the incidence of endometriosis declines to 2-5%, and it is more common in women…
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Deep infiltrating endometriosis and postoperative pregnancy outcomes
By Selma Oransay
Although the current ESHRE guidelines state that there is no strong evidence to support surgical intervention to improve the spontaneous pregnancy rate in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis and advise Assisted reproduction technology irrespective of the severity of endometriosis, several studies…
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Blood-based biomarkers for the detection of endometriosis and adenomyosis
By Eylül GÜN
One of the biggest challenges in endometriosis management is the delay in diagnosis. Scientists have been trying to come up with biomarkers to detect it quicker. Thinking blood-based biomarkers could aid in earlier diagnosis and help with the duly administration…
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Asia-Pacific: Expert panel's suggestions for improving endometriosis-related health issues
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
"Endometriosis should be diagnosed as early as possible for the sake of the patients" and the Asia-Pacific Endometriosis Expert Panel sought to address the reasons for diagnostic delays in this part of the world and published a consensus report in…
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The Importance of "uterine adenogenesis" in endometriosis development
By Eylül GÜN
Understanding the complex pathogenetic mechanisms underlying endometriosis has been a big challenge. Several studies have demonstrated that the eutopic and ectopic endometrium exhibit distinct characteristics. Researchers led by Signorile et al. from Italy conducted a review of the recent developments…
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A suggestion for a novel in vitro diagnostic test for endometriosis
By Eylül GÜN
As the research continues to find a gold standard non-invasive diagnostic method for endometriosis, there still is no definitive answer. One of the most commonly studied markers is Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) – a biomarker that is secreted from the…
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Underestimation of Dysmenorrhea in adolescents
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis may suffer from painful symptoms, especially during menstruation or sexual intercourse. One of the main etiologic reasons for secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis, and it has a poor impact on life quality. Underestimation of dysmenorrhea and consideration of…
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Women With Endometriosis Willing to Participate in Research
By Özge Özkaya
Women with endometriosis are open to participating in research, according to a new Australian study published in the journal "Medicina (Kaunas)". This way, they said, “they felt aligned with their needs, with a significant focus on diagnostic tools and symptom…
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Omitted facet of endometriosis : mental health related to stigma
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
A team of clinical psychologists involved in women’s health led by Deniz Kocas has published a recent review on the mental health aspect of endometriosis patients in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. Endometriosis is a notoriously…
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Endometriosis and Physical Activity
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis causes abstinence from their daily life, especially during painful periods. Decreased physical function might result in reduced physical activity. Sachs et al., from Switzerland, published a study titled “Physical Activity in Women with Endometriosis: Less or More Compared with…
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Healthcare Seeking Behaviour May Be Sign of Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Women with endometriosis had a higher utilization of primary and secondary healthcare in the 10 years before receiving a diagnosis, found a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction. “With this knowledge, healthcare professionals could be better at relating…
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Treatment of superficial dyspareunia using topical estrogens in postmenopausal women with a history of endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is defined as a collection of symptoms and signs caused by hypoestrogenic changes to the labia majora/minora, clitoris, vestibule/introitus, vagina, urethra, and bladder that occur in menopausal patients. Sexual dysfunction and superficial dyspareunia can be experienced…
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A review for genetics of endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
There is an increased risk of developing endometriosis among first-degree relatives, which can raise suspicions of the role of genetic factors in endometriosis. Genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing have identified numerous genetic loci and variants relating to the disease.…
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The compliance for post-surgical follow-ups after endometriosis surgery
By Selma Oransay
. The patient's adherence to follow-ups after surgery is essential as it is the only way to evaluate the surgery's benefits in improving pain symptoms and recurrences, measuring the quality of life, and fertility outcomes. . Dr. Szabo and his…
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Moderate-to-severe Endometriosis and "The Cumulative live birth rate" in IVF Cycles
By Hale Goksever Celik
Infertility is one of the major symptoms in women with endometriosis. The incidence of endometriosis is approximately 10% in reproductive-aged women and up to 40-50% in infertile women. There are multifactorial mechanisms resulting in endometriosis-associated infertility such as anatomic distortion, impaired…
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Dienogest versus combined oral contraceptives treatment in postoperative endometriosis care
By Selma Oransay
Dienogest is a synthetic progestin derivative, like oral contraceptives, used to prevent endometriosis recurrence after surgery. Randomized clinical trials verified a significantly higher reduction in endometriotic lesions, clinical symptoms, and improved quality of life obtained when dienogest was given to…
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Endometriosis of the skeletal muscular system
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis of the skeletal muscular system (ESMS) is characterized by the presence of endometrial cells in skeletal muscles, bones, or joints. Despite its rare occurrence, ESMS has been reported in various muscle and joint locations, leading to atypical symptoms and…
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A Starch-Based Gel Barrier Reduces Pain and Improves Fertility After Endometriosis Surgery
By Özge Özkaya
The development of pain was reduced in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) resection and the "gel barrier 4DryField® PH" was used during the operation, according to results from a randomized controlled trial. Moreover, fertility was improved. "4DryField® PH"…
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By Bahar YukselHarnessing the Power of the Immune System: The Potential of Immunotherapy for Treating Endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
The review article by Wenshu Li et al. discusses the potential of immunotherapy as a novel treatment for endometriosis and the potential to overcome possible side effects and recurrence rates related to conventional therapies. The article explains how immunotherapy, which…
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Ultrasound and #Enzian Classification for Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
The #Enzian classification can ensure endometriosis is systematically described and classified, which can “greatly facilitates communication between physicians and patients, sonographers and surgeons,” according to an editorial article by Drs. Jörg Keckstein and Markus Hoopmann published in the European Journal of…
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Pain Scoring System for Deep Endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
The numeric pain scale is commonly used to interpret pain score values. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, pain scores of 4-7 points indicate moderate, and 8-10 points indicate severe pain. Patients with a local pain score of…
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Ovarian cancers arising in endometriosis: still an unresolved issue
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Alice Bergamini and associates from San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy have published their results on clinicopathologic features of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers in a recent issue of the journal “Diagnostics”. The association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer was first noticed…
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Outcomes of chronic pelvic pain after niche repair
By Selma Oransay
Rapidly increasing cesarian section rates in recent years increased the cesarian scar defects and the development of "isthmoceles". Isthmocele is a myometrial lesion located around the isthmic portion of the uterus that is a myometrial discontinuity or hypoechoic triangle in…
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Menopause-management strategies for women with endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Menopausal hormonal therapy is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and joint pain. Approximately 75% of all women experienced some degree of these symptoms, while 2-4% were diagnosed with endometriosis. Menopausal…
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Limitations of current surgical classification systems for endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Many classification systems for endometriosis have been developed since the 1970s, and in a 2021 review, more than 20 of those systems were identified. The best-known and most frequently used are rASRM (revised American Society of Reproductive Medicine), the Enzian…
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Meningioma risk in women with endometriosis using Nomegestrol acetate
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis mostly suffer from symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Early diagnosis and management have importance as endometriosis impairs the quality of life and creates a serious social and economic burden. There are different…
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Headaches Appear Years Before a Diagnosis of Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Headache is associated with different forms of migraine, is related to pain, and often appears before diagnosis in women with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online. This knowledge can help ensure women with…
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Nutritional recommendations for endometriosis patients
By Eylül GÜN
Diet and lifestyle factors have been implicated in the development and progression of endometriosis, in addition to genetic determinants. Piecuch et al. from Poland conducted a review study discussing the importance of different nutrients and nutritional recommendations in endometriosis. The…
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Autoantibodies Cannot Be Used to Detect Endometriosis Just Yet
By Özge Özkaya
There seems to be no significant difference in the expression of autoantibodies in the plasma or peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and those without the disease. This is according to a new study published in the journal Human Reproduction.…
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Pretreatment With Dienogest Does not Seem to Improve IVF Outcome in Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Treatment with dienogest before in vitro fertilization does not increase the number of mature eggs or improve the rate of pregnancy or live births in women with endometriosis, found a new study published in the scientific journal Gynecologic and Obstetric…
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Exploring the Potential Impact of Prenatal Testosterone on Endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
The exact causes of endometriosis still remain uncertain but emerging evidence suggests that prenatal factors may contribute to its development. In the review study by Bernard J Cresp et al, the authors discuss the hormonal environment during prenatal development and…
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Another New Approach Could Help Diagnose deep Infiltrating endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Elastography could help distinguish deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) nodules from non-endometriotic tissue at different locations, according to a new study published in Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound. The potential of the technique in improving the diagnosis…
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Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis and Adenomyosis have different genetic pathways
By Bahar Yuksel
It is still not defined whether adenomyosis is also a deep endometriosis component or not. In the study conducted by Marshall et al, the researchers compared the gene expression patterns between deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and adenomyosis uteri in order…
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Adenomyosis and infertility: Does immunology mapping help?
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Professor Dr. Wolfgang Küpker (MD, PhD), Medical Director and CEO of IVF Baden Baden at the University of Schleswig Holstein in Lübeck delivered a conference at the Annual International Medical Conference of the Endometriosis Foundation of America held in New York on April…
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The #Enzian classification, an essential tool for surgical management of severe endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
The lecture entitled "The #Enzian classification, an essential tool for surgical management of severe endometriosis" was presented by Professor. Jörg Keckstein, from the University Ulm, Germany, at the Annual International Medical Conference of the Endometriosis Foundation of America held in New York on…
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Integrative medical management of endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
This lecture entitled "Integrative Medical Management of Endometriosis" was presented by Dr. Pinar Kodaman, Director of the endoscopic reproductive surgery program and Assoc. Professor of Clinical ObGyn and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale School of Medicine. In addition to surgery which…
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Insights into immune dysfunction in endometriosis - Chandrakant Tayade, DVM, PhD
By Bahar Yuksel
In his speech presented at the Annual International Medical Conference of the Endometriosis Foundation of America held in New York on April 1-2, 2023, Dr. Tayade talks about the relationship between endometriosis and the immune system. Dr. Tayade begins by emphasizing the significance of…
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Preclinical organ-on-chip models of endometriosis lesions - Linda Griffith, PhD
By Özge Özkaya
Professor Linda Griffith, Professor of Biological and Mechanical Engineering and the director of the Center for Gynepathology Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology gave a presentation about their preclinical organ on-chip models of endometriosis lesions at the 14th Annual International…
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Epigenetic defects of stromal cells in endometriosis and adenomyosis lead to estrogen sensitivity
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Serdar Bulun, MD, J.J. Sciarra Professor and Chair Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois has delivered a conference on “Endometriosis and adenomyosis: single-cell genome-wide approaches” at the Annual International Medical Conference of the Endometriosis Foundation…
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Is there any advantage of addition of hysterectomy on deep endometriotic pelvic pain or on the quality of life?
By Selma Oransay
The addition of hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy to the endometriosis excision surgery provided greater benefits when compared to excision surgery alone, according to the results of a comparison study that was recently published in the journal named "Facts Views and Visions in Obstetrics…
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A self-diagnostic tool that predicts the likelihood of endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are crucial for preventing these negative outcomes, but the disease is often difficult to diagnose due to a lack of specific symptoms and reliable diagnostic tests. Goldstein et al. aimed to develop a machine-learning…
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Antioxidant astaxanthin has promising effects on endometriosis-related infertility.
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Rostami and colleagues from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, have published a pioneering clinical study on the effects of antioxidant astaxanthin supplementation in infertile endometriosis patients in the scientific journal named Frontiers in Endocrinology. A complicated network…
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How to cope with the probable complications of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
By Özge Özkaya
Laparoscopic hysterectomy to treat endometriosis and adenomyosis can lead to complications, which are “non-negligible”, according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. It is, therefore, of great importance to know the factors that are associated…
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The bigger the uterus, the more painful the dysmenorrhea even if you don’t have endometriosis.
By Bahar Yuksel
The literature finds no correlation between ultrasound or perioperative findings and pain intensity. Thus, a tool to predict pain intensity will ease the choice for proper treatments and follow-ups. In the study led by Dr. Zhao et al., the ultrasonographic…
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Serum Galectin-9 : A promising marker for endometriosis diagnosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Jarollahi and colleagues from Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran have published their research on serum levels of Galectin-9 as a noninvasive marker for endometriosis in the "Journal of Reproduction & Infertility". Endometriosis imposes a great challenge in the…
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Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain Have a Negative Experience With Doctors
By Özge Özkaya
Women with chronic pelvic pain have a negative experience with the healthcare system, according to a study by US researchers published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This is the case regardless of whether or not they have…
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The enhanced invasiveness, migration and the development of adenomyosis: Importance of M2 macrophages
By Hale Goksever Celik
Adenomyosis is the ectopic presence of endometrial stromal and glandular cells inside the myometrial tissue. Adenomyosis is diagnosed in women with gynecological problems with an incidence of 20%, although it is encountered much more frequently in hysterectomy specimens. Among many…
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Laparoscopic resection of bladder endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
When we talk about deep-infiltrating endometriosis, one of the most commonly affected organs in the urinary tract is the bladder, with a prevalence of 80%. Bladder endometriosis can be defined as the existence of the endometrial glands and stroma inside…
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Postoperative pregnancy outcomes in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Subperitoneal invasion of endometriotic lesions exceeding 5 mm in depth is named "deep infiltrating endometriosis' and can be located on uterosacral ligaments, in the intestine, vagina, bladder, and ureter. Women with deep infiltrating endometriosis suffer from pelvic pain and infertility most…
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Comparison of two surgical approaches for endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis is one of the causes of infertility in women. But the pathophysiology of infertility caused by endometriosis is not yet clear. Hormonal disorders, abnormal peritoneal function, distorted pelvic anatomy, and multiple cesarean deliveries are among the accused. Dr. Li…
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Endometriosis awarness for the Gastroenterologists.
By Selma Oransay
Women with endometriosis can develop chronic abdominal pain and/or abnormal bowel habits more than eight times compared to women without endometriosis. For this reason, an undiagnosed patient with endometriosis may be referred to a gastroenterologist and remain in a situation…
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How Common is Adenomyosis Among Subfertile Women?
By Özge Özkaya
Around 10% of women who have reduced fertility have isolated adenomyosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. The prevalence of the disease seems to vary according to the presence of endometriosis…
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Comparison of different IVF stimulation protocols for pregnancy success in infertile endometriosis patients
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis may suffer from reproductive problems up to an incidence of 50%. Several pathophysiological mechanisms including anatomic distortion, alterations in endometrial receptivity, diminished tubal peristalsis and sperm movements are the most responsible for the development of endometriosis-associated infertility.…
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Is the pathogenesis of endometriosis hidden in immune-related gene profiles ?
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Yanan He and colleagues from the Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University, China have published their manuscript on potential immune markers in endometriosis in a recent issue of “Journal of Immunology Research” Pathophysiologic mechanisms involving endometriosis are complicated and have…
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The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of dysmenorrrhea
By Selma Oransay
Asymptomatic endometriosis does not adversely affect women's quality of life and mental health. But the quality of life of women with endometriosis who suffer endometriosis-related pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dysuria declines as they become more susceptible to anxiety and…
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Conventional IVF or ICSI: Which one is more accurate in endometriosis-related infertility?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Although the prevalence of endometriosis is 10-15% in the general population at reproductive age, it is diagnosed more frequently in infertile women with a prevalence of 25-40%. Although the exact mechanism explaining the association between endometriosis and infertility has not…
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Weighting (side)effects when dealing with endometriosis-associated pain.
By Bahar Yuksel
The treatment options for endometriosis-related pain are so many. And the guidelines leave the selection to the clinicians, which causes obscurity between preferences. In the study by Christine Poulos et al, the authors analyzed the response of clinicians on the…
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How Can Endometriosis Care Be Improved?
By Özge Özkaya
Researchers identified 61 areas for improvement in endometriosis care based on the answers of endometriosis patients. Of these the top five areas of improvement were to train caregivers in order to develop their knowledge about endometriosis, to provide better management…
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The most common gynecologic admissions to the emergency: Endometriosis and adenomyosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis demand therapy for the most common symptoms, which are pelvic pain and infertility. Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial glandular and stromal tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, called the myometrium. Women having adenomyosis also…
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Economic burden while living with endometriosis.
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometriosis is a debilitating disease when all the symptoms are considered. Besides mental and physical effects, the economic burden is also a problem for the patients. In the study conducted by Josep Darbà et al, the costs of endometriosis have…
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Iron and toxic environmental elements in ovarian endometriomas
By Selma Oransay
It is well-known that the growth of endometriotic lesions is estrogen-dependent and supported by inflammatory processes. In addition to oxidative stress, it is believed that several other factors, including chemicals and environmental factors, and genetic predisposition may play a potential…
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Endometriosis-Associated Pain: The Role of Sensitization
By Eylül GÜN
As the most common symptom of the disease, endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) is experienced as dysmenorrhea, non-cyclical pelvic pain, and cyclical pain related to organ function. EAP is contributed to by different mechanisms, including local factors, peripheral sensitization, central sensitization, cross-sensitization,…
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Ultrasonographic Presurgical Staging and Classification of Endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis, but a preoperative imaging procedure is strongly recommended. Transvaginal sonography by a skilled examiner is not inferior to MRI diagnostics regarding sensitivity and specificity in predicting the extension of deep endometriosis. …
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Transvaginal ultrasound or MRI for retroflexed uterus in endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr Matsuda and colleagues from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan have published their study evaluating the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound on the diagnosis of uterine retroflexion in a recent issue of “Journal of Nippon…
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Younger Women With Endometriosis Feel More Pain
By Özge Özkaya
Younger women with endometriosis feel more period pain (dysmenorrhea) and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) compared to older women with the disease, found a new study published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Acknowledging this fact can make sure…
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Diagnostic criteria for uterosacral ligament involvement in endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Transvaginal ultrasonography is often used to diagnose endometriosis in suspected women due to its high resolution, low cost, and relatively low discomfort. Histologic confirmation of laparoscopically removed specimens is still the gold standard for appropriate diagnosis. The team led by…
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The "Painful Periods Screening Tool" Could Speed Endometriosis Diagnosis
By Özge Özkaya
The Painful Periods Screening Tool (PPST) is a useful tool for women with endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Sciences. The study's authors said that the tool “ facilitated communication between patients and providers…
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Creating a reliable indirect immunofluorescence protocol as a promising diagnostic tool for endometriosis
By Eylül GÜN
Owing to its inflammatory nature, endometriosis results in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which disrupt the cellular functions and eventually lead the cell to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Senescence, the natural state of irreversible cell cycle arrest,…
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Rare but important entity: perineal endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Zhu and colleagues from Peking Union Medical College Hospital have published their retrospective research on "surgically treated perineal endometriosis cases" in a recent issue of BMC’s Women’s Health. Perineal endometriosis is a rare type of endometriosis accounting for at…
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Gestrinone May Be Safe and Effective in Treating Endometriosis Symptoms
By Özge Özkaya
Gestrinone seems to be safe for the treatment of endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. It also may be more effective than danazol and other medical treatments. However, these findings…
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How accurate is ultrasonography in evaluating deep infiltrating endometriosis?
By Eylül GÜN
Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) appears to be the most severe form of endometriosis comprising 15-30% of all endometriosis patients. The difference in the presentation of the lesions ranges from simple adhesions to infiltrative nodules. Even though there is no consensus…
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Uterine agenesis patients may have endometriosis too
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Steinmacher and colleagues at the Tuebingen University Hospital, Germany have published their unique study on a series of patients with congenital Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome in a recent issue of the “Journal of Clinical Medicine”. The absence uterus and upper…
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What causes pelvic pain? Androgens or estrogens?
By Selma Oransay
A comparison between women and men reveals that women suffer more pelvic pain. This reality raises the possibility of the pain-relieving effect of testosterone or androgens. It would be a wise solution to investigate how androgens affect pain at different…
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The Delay in Endometriosis Diagnosis Is Huge
By Özge Özkaya
Eleven years pass on average in Italy for a woman to get diagnosed with endometriosis from when she starts having symptoms. This delay can even be even longer (4 more years) if the symptoms appear before a woman is age 20.…
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Non-hormonal medication for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain
By Selma Oransay
The thought of benefiting from non-hormonal therapy in endometriosis pain is based on the pathophysiological findings that include angiogenesis, fibrosis, the presence of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells, apoptosis, and stem cell theory. But the effect of this treatment in…
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Adenomyosis and the anti-mullerian hormone levels
By Eylül GÜN
The presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrial layer of the uterus is called adenomyosis. It is considered a form of endometriosis and affects up to 35% of women with varying symptomatology, from asymptomatic to subfertility. For a…
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TSH receptor antibodies show promising results in the diagnostic workup of endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Svensson with collaborators from the Swedish Lund University has published their results on the possible role of TSH receptor antibodies as biomarkers in endometriosis diagnosis in a recent issue of “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology”.…
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Educational Programs Important to Raise Endometriosis Awareness
By Özge Özkaya
An educational program consisting of lectures and group discussions motivated nursing and medical students to seek medical attention so endometriosis can be detected and managed early, reported a new study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online. However, this…
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Web-based resource to improve menstrual health awareness
By Selma Oransay
Many women consider "menstrual pain" a normal part of being female, and do not seek medical help but rather use self-management methods such as heat, rest, and analgesics. They are often unsure which self-management strategies are effective or what the…
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Time to change out taboos about the radiologic evaluation of scar endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Scar endometriosis is one of the rare forms of endometriosis. According to traditional belief, it has always been evaluated radiologically on menstruation days. In the study conducted by Balaban et al, the authors compared the differences in lesions according to…
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Endometriosis Increases Risk of Sexual Dysfunction But Only Before Menopause
By Özge Özkaya
Endometriosis increases the risk of sexual dysfunction, found a new study by US scientists. But this is the case only before menopause. This finding can guide doctors in decision-making about evaluating the sexual function of women with endometriosis who have…
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Endometriosis and the possible mechanisms of pain.
By Selma Oransay
The most common clinical symptoms of endometriosis are chronic pelvic pain and infertility. It is often not enough to treat pain symptoms with hormonal therapy or a surgical approach. Moreover, the stage of endometriosis has weakly associated with the amount,…
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Organizing structural protein Ezrin and its active form in endometriosis biopsies
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Alessandra Peloggia and colleagues from Brazil have published their results on immunostaining of Ezrin protein and its phosphorylated active form in endometrial tissues in a recent issue of “Clinics” Possible factors on endometrial cell implantation and proliferation in the…
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Endometriosis and Body Image
By Özge Özkaya
Endometriosis has a negative effect on health-related quality of life and body familiarity according to a new study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research. Based on this finding, the authors of the study recommend that body familiarity should be…
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A prediction model to identify endometriosis during routine ultrasound .
By Selma Oransay
. Ureterolysis is an advanced surgical technique that involves dissection of the ureter from pelvic brim to the ureteric tunnel to avoid injury or freeing the ureter from endometriotic lesions. This manipulation usually requieres advanced surgical training and skill. In…
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T-cell-targeted immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Monika Abraimuk and colleagues from Poland published their review on "the importance of immunity in endometriosis" in a recent issue of the medical journal “Cellular Signaling”. A great challenge in contemporary medical issues is endometriosis which still lacks a…
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The association between severe endometriosis and venous thromboembolism
By Hale Goksever Celik
For clarifying the issue of whether endometriosis patients are at risk for venous thromboembolism due to both their local immune and inflammatory responses and hormonal treatments, Wiegers et al, from the Netherlands, published an explorative cohort study entitled “Risk of…
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Pelvic pain characteristics in young girls with endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
The occurrence of severe and frequent pelvic pain in young women is a piece of evidence that endometriosis begins and develops at an early age. Two-thirds of women with endometriosis who were diagnosed in their adulthood reported the onset of…
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Endometriosis Prediction by "Machine Learning"
By Selma Oransay
To develop a predictive model for endometriosis and to re-assess the contribution of known risk factors, Blass et al. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel used the data of the UK biobank by machine learning-based models. They compared and…
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An important matter to revise: Immune system changes in endometriosis
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease with unclear and obscure pathogenetic mechanisms. In their review, Chopyak et al. revised the immunopathogenic pathways that are proven and/or thought to be responsible for disease development and progression. The article was published in the…
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Transvaginal Ultrasound Could Be Sufficient to Properly Diagnose Deep Endometriosis and Ovarians Endometriomas
By Özge Özkaya
Following the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis consensus can improve the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose ovarian endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis, according to a new study published in the scientific journalUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. “ (…) at this…
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The effect of postoperative hormonal medication preferences on the recurrence rate of endometrioma
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometrioma is the most investigated type of endometriosis. The recurrence after surgery is important regarding its and reoperation’s effect on ovarian functions. In the study conducted by Seung-Hye Choi et al, the researchers questioned the effect of different postoperative hormonal…
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Endometriosis and IBS Have Different Comorbidities
By Özge Özkaya
Comorbidities of endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are different despite several overlapping symptoms, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction. These comorbidities are usually related to the organ systems that are primarily involved in…
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The best method for the diagnosis of endometriosis: SEE and BELIEVE
By Eylül GÜN
Deciding on the best diagnostic procedure for endometriosis patients has been a recent subject of debate. While some clinicians believe non-invasive methods such as imaging and symptom-based treatment should be the choice in the diagnosis, some believe the best method…
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Validity of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Deep Pelvic Endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Video laparoscopy has become a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing endometriosis in recent years. In cases associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis, the need for a non-invasive diagnostic method before laparoscopic evaluation paves the way for using MRI. The use…
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Gluten Intake May Not Have an Effect on Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Carbohydrate quality and certain types of fiber such as total vegetable and cruciferous vegetable fiber seem to be associated with endometriosis in women before menopause, found a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition. According to the study, it…
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Time has come to learn more about endometriosis and take action!
By Eylül GÜN
It has been a long time since endometriosis was defined. Extensive population studies have shown that around 10% of women suffer from this condition. Depending on its severity, it alters the various functions of the body and causes the patients…
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Does the timing of endometriosis diagnosis affect optimal infertility treatment?
By Selma Oransay
Based on a retrospective population-linked data study in "Human Reproduction", the ESHRE journal club featured a detailed discussion with 50 participants, patients’ representatives, and experts (Paola Vigano´, Mathew Leonardi, Thomas D’Hooghe, Louise Hull), together with the authors of the original article, mainly…
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New Endometriosis Self-Assessment Tool Could Help Women Seek Timely Medical Attention
By Özge Özkaya
Researchers from Korea developed a self-assessment tool that may allow women to determine their risk of endometriosis. They described the tool in an article they published in the scientific journal Obstetrics & Gynecology Science. “The devised tool appears valid and…
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Evaluation of retrocervical and parametrial deep endometriosis by detailed ultrasonography
By Selma Oransay
The accuracy of ultrasonographic diagnosis of deep endometriosis in the retrocervical and parametrial areas may be poor due to the variable morphology of endometriotic lesions, the complex structure of the posterior parametrial compartment, and the difference in examiners' experience level.…
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Chasing gold to find endometriosis.
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometriosis is a disease that doesn’t have a proper preoperative diagnostic test. Thus, animal models to study endometriosis are vital to show the effects of drugs and the effects of the disease on the body. In the study conducted by…
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Endometriosis-associated infertility: How to manage?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Although the underlying reason for endometriosis has not been fully established, there is an association between endometriosis and infertility. Endometriosis is thought to be involved in 40-50 percent of infertility cases. However, natural conception can still occur even in women…
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Would it be possible to diagnose endometriosis from a vaginal swab?
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Ectopic endometrial tissues with new vessel formations in an inflammatory background have a component of mast cell-derived exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 promoting inflammation and angiogenesis. This information is according to the paper published in a recent issue of the journal “BMC Women’s Health”,…
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A new potential therapeutic target in endometriosis: Galectin-3
By Eylül GÜN
The endometrial cells migrate and attach to the peritoneal surface according to the most widely accepted retrograde menstruation theory in endometriosis development. Given that only 10% of women have endometriosis, it is thought that some additional factors contribute to the…
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The role of oxidative stress on endometriosis symptomatology
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometriosis is not only a hormonal disease, but it is also an inflammatory illness provoked by hormones. In the review conducted by Hossein Ansariniya et al., from Iran, the relation between oxidative stress, free radicals, free iron, and the development of…
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How do regional differences affect the incidence rates of endometriosis?
By Eylül GÜN
Despite all the ongoing work for endometriosis awareness, it continues to be an underdiagnosed disease. Several different factors are responsible for this. The variations of its symptomatology play a big part as well as the lack of understanding of the…
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Endometrioma and its relation with fibrosis, dysmenorrhea, and AMH levels.
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometrioma is an indicator of endometriosis which makes it easy to diagnose the disease for most clinicians. But the symptoms and relationship of endometrioma with menstrual pain severity and the ovarian reserve as well as its markers are not well…
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Immune cells in peritoneal endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Burcu Ersoy and associates from The University of Sydney, Australia, published their interesting study on surgically removed peritoneal endometriosis tissues in the journal named "F&S Science". It is still a dilemma how ectopic endometrial tissues attach to the peritoneum, persist…
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Ankylosing Spondylitis and Endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
There are several theories contributing the development of endometriosis: one of the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms is the abnormality in immune and inflammatory system. Several immunologic diseases coexist with endometriosis depending on the common immunologic characteristics such as Tumor necrosis Factor…
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The accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for deep urinary tract endometrisis.
By Selma Oransay
The prevalence of urinary tract endometriosis is 19-53% in patients within deep infiltrating endometriosis cases. The bladder and ureteral are the most common sites of the involvement. While preparing a radical surgery for a patient with deep endometriosis, the diagnosis…
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Who Is Diagnosing my Endo?
By Özge Özkaya
It is possible to acquire the skills necessary to diagnose endometriosis lesions as well as adenomyosis using three-dimensional rectosonography after a short learning period in an expert radiology center. This is according to a new study by French researchers published…
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Adenomyosis Increases Risk of Surgical Complications
By Özge Özkaya
Adenomyosis increases the risk of deep endometriosis surgery complications, according to a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Patients with deep endometriosis and adenomyosis should therefore be informed about this risk before undergoing surgery. Adenomyosis occurs together with…
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Preferential expression of some membrane type matrix metalloproteinase proteins
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Maoga and associates from academic institutions located in Germany and Kenya have published their findings on the immunohistochemical expression of MT-MMP proteins, namely MT2-MMP (MMP15) and MT3-MMP (MMP16) in the eutopic endometrium of healthy and endometriotic patients; and also…
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Comparison of imaging techniques for estimating the depth of bowel wall infiltration by endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
The surgical removal of deep endometriosis is the cornerstone of the management. However, the decision for the varying surgical approach types ranging from conservative management (shaving) to segmental or discoid resection depends on the depth of infiltration within the bowel wall, which…
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Preoperative detailed ultrasound is effective for the prediction of surgical extent.
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometriosis surgery is like opening the box of pandora when you start the surgery. A preoperative guide is extremely important for the surgeon to draw a road map. In the study conducted by Alessandra Di Giovanni et al, the effectiveness…
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How reliable are the patient questionnaires in predicting endometriosis?
By Eylül GÜN
It is well known that the diagnosis of endometriosis is delayed in the majority of patients throughout the world. The burden that this brings has many effects on the patients’ lives as well as the society. The radiological developments in…
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A novel contribution to patient management in endometriosis by immunohistochemistry
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Tarumi and associates from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan published their retrospective cohort study on the importance of progesterone receptors on recurring ovarian endometriosis in "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism". Surgery for endometriosis is…
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Genetic prediction models for endometriosis diagnosis
By Bahar Yuksel
There are many studies trying to find a mysterious gene that would solve all the mysteries of endometriosis, yet none have been identified up to now. In the study conducted by She et al, the authors revealed an R system…
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Listening to patients’ complaints is the first step on the way to a diagnosis of endometriosis.
By Hale Goksever Celik
Early diagnosis and management of endometriosis are not possible due to the wide spectrum of symptoms and absence of non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Particularly the adolescent population is at risk for the diagnostic delay because pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea are very…
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Prevalence of endometriosis and adenomyosis by transvaginal ultrasound.
By Selma Oransay
Women who present dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, dyschezia, chronic abdominal, and pelvic pain, and infertility would benefit from the early investigation. If the correct diagnosis of endometriosis and/or adenomyosis can be made in advance, early treatment will improve the quality of…
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Non-invasive diagnostic tools for endometriosis revisited
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Signorile and associates from the Italian Endometriosis Foundation have published the results of their retrospective study on a large cohort of endometriosis patients in a recent issue of the periodical, In Vivo. Endometriosis lacks precise scientific knowledge and this brings…
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Imaging Techniques Able to Predict Depth of Endometriosis Before Surgery
By Özge Özkaya
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed by a specialist can accurately predict the depth of rectosigmoid endometriosis before surgery, according to a new study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. Both approaches are similar…
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Immunotherapy in endometriosis: a challenging research topic
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Maksym and associates from academic centers in Poland have published their comprehensive review on endometriosis emphasizing the immunological aspects of the disease in a recent issue of the "Journal of Clinical Medicine". Even though endometriosis is a multifactorial disease,…
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Algorithm for pain management in endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
One of the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis is pain. Mostly due to delayed diagnosis and the high recurrence rate, even after the surgical and hormonal therapy pain control may not be sufficient causing the patient to suffer for decades. Endometriosis-associated…
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A New Non-Invasive Marker for Endometriosis?
By Özge Özkaya
The reactivity of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) with fucose-specific lectins AAL, LCA, and LTA could be a useful diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis, according to a new study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research. It could also be a clinical…
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Is "non-hormonal therapy" effective in women with endometriosis-associated pain?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis require effective treatment due to the negative impact of the disease on quality of life. Hormonal treatments including oral contraceptives, and progestins are usually recommended to suppress ovulation and decrease pelvic pain. However, some women do not…
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Risk of cardiovascular disease in endometriosis patients
By Eylül GÜN
A well-known fact about endometriosis is the inflammatory processes that underlie its pathophysiology. The inflammatory markers have been thought to play a role in many additional disorders in endometriosis patients. One of the primary markers of inflammation is C-reactive protein…
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A novel approach to a common lesion: mapping adenomyosis by imaging modalities
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Habiba from Leicester, UK, and Dr. Benagiano from Rome, Italy, have published their overview on adenomyosis in an attempt to set light on a clinically important topic in a recent issue of the "International Journal of Environmental Research and…
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Endometriosis of the Diaphragm, What do the Doctors Know About it?
By Özge Özkaya
The median time between the first consultation with a primary care physician and receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis of the diaphragm is two years according to a study by U.K. researchers. In the worse case, it took 23 years for…
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Diaphragmatic endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Diaphragmatic endometriosis is a rare clinical condition that may show signs and symptoms like chest pain, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, shoulder pain, pleuritic pain, hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and thoracic endometriosis syndrome while the major part of the patients is…
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Endometriosis: Beyond the naked eye visibility
By Bahar Yuksel
The gold standard method for endometriosis diagnosis is histopathologic evaluation of the resected lesions. The study conducted by Sara-Michelle Gratton et al. in Canada evaluated the possible effect of developed laparoscopic skills and equipment on the endometriosis diagnosis, and whether…
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Shining like fireflies: a new approach to visualize early endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometriosis is a complex and unsolved disease that requires animal studies in order to understand its nature. There are a group of animal models designed for endometriosis studies, but most require sacrificing the animal. In the experimental study designed by the team…
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The necessity of laparoscopy for unexplained infertility.
By Selma Oransay
The standard for accepting a couple as "infertile" is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. When this condition is met, assessing the number of motile sperm in the male partner and certifying the patency at…
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From Spain: execution for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain unresponsive to conventional therapies
By Selma Oransay
The current conventional therapy for chronic pelvic pain for endometriosis is defined as either hormonal or non-hormonal medical treatment starting with combined oral contraceptives progestins or dienogest, and then gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs and/or surgery. Although conventional therapies usually are successful, still…
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A trial of exogenous melatonin on dysmenorrhea in women "without endometriosis"
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
In their recent article published in “European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology”, Dr. Söderman and associates from Stockholm report the results of their randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of oral melatonin in women with dysmenorrhea -unrelated to endometriosis-. Melatonin is a hormone…
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Cancer invasion genes to explain invasiveness of adenomyosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Adenomyosis looks similar to endometriosis, but it is not the same. However, the invasiveness and migration patterns of both diseases have something in common. The study conducted by Guo et al. questioned whether invasiveness genes that have already been studied…
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Which one is more effective for the preservartion of postoperative ovarian reserve?
By Selma Oransay
Although cystectomy is the most preferred treatment of endometrioma, it is still a matter of debate as it may cause a reduction in the quality and number of remaining follicles, especially important for women who are planning to conceive. Anti-Müllerian…
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Placenta praevia and cesarean section more common in patients with ART for Endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Even though endometriosis is known to be associated with infertility, these women still have a chance to get pregnant spontaneously or by assisted reproduction techniques (ART) with the aid of recent technological developments. A It has also been shown that…
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Vitamin A interrupts epithelial-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
The mechanism underlying the endometriosis formation is still not clear. Recent studies are focusing on the effect of retinoic acid and IL6 on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the study conducted by Luyi Li et al, the researchers also questioned the…
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Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Endometriosis Pain
By Özge Özkaya
There is no difference between the oral progestin dienogest and combined oral contraceptive pills in managing pain and increasing quality of life in women with endometriosis, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. However, there was…
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Indocyanin Green dye for recognition of occult endometriotic lesions
By Bahar Yuksel
The surgery for endometriosis is challenging and the resection of all lesions is not accurately related to not catching all lesions under white light (WL) conventional laparoscopy. In the study conducted by Luigi Carlo Turco et al., in a tertiary…
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Efficacy of cannabis on endometriosis symptoms
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis is related to a wide range of symptoms that affect the quality of life of patients in many aspects. Studies have shown malfunctions in the endocannabinoid system in endometriosis patients which led to the idea to target this pathway…
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Intravascular adenomyomatosis: an important entity to be alert
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Pathologists from Stanford University, USA have recently published four novel cases of intravascular adenomyomatosis co-existing with pelvic endometriosis in a recent issue of “Human Pathology”. Intravascular leiomyomatosis is characterized by the presence of smooth muscle in venous and lymphatic spaces…
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International definition and standardization for endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
There is huge heterogeneity in classifications, subtypes, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions of endometriosis in published literature. The lack of a uniform and widely accepted terminology of the disease rose the necessity to argue and reach a common consensus with organizations,…
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A plea from pathologists: standardized protocols for adenomyosis and endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Pathologist Drs. Camboni and Marbaix from Brussels, Belgium published their comprehensive review on adenomyosis and endometriosis titled “Ectopic endometrium: the pathologists’ perspective” in a recent issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are well-known entities as…
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The effect of hormone therapy after surgical menopause on endometriosis recurrence
By Selma Oransay
Definitive surgery for severe and advanced endometriosis is hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, which may cause vasomotor symptoms, sleep deprivation, mood change, and dyspareunia in the patients. Furthermore, after the surgical removal of the ovaries, the sudden drop in estrogens causes…
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Pharmacological Therapy for Endometriosis Pain
By Eylül GÜN
The negative effects of endometriosis on women’s quality of life are indisputable. Women who suffer from endometriosis might have to deal with problems in many aspects such as psychological, sexual, social, and economic. Pain which is one of the most…
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The new Endometriosis Surgical Complexity Classification: AAGL 2021
By Selma Oransay
Multiple endometriosis categorizations have been approved in the recent forty years. The American Fertility Society proposed ASRM with a desire to score the impact of the endometriosis in 1996, which was updated several times later (rASRM), to predict infertility after laparoscopic operations. For…
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How does adenomyosis affect IVF outcomes?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Adenomyosis is defined as the localization of endometrial tissue in the muscle layer of uterus. Several theories have been proposed to explain the reasons of adenomyosis-associated infertility including uterine dysperistalsis, abnormal transportation of sperm in the uterine cavity, and embryo…
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Molecular alterations in endometriosis pathogenesis
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis has been in our lives for decades, however little is known about its pathogenesis making it hard to diagnose and manage. A review study conducted by Balasubramanian et al. from India reveals all the characteristics and the underlying conditions…
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Phytoestrogens could have promising effects in endometriosis management
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Bartiromo and associates from Milan, Italy published a systematic review on phytoestrogens and endometriosis in the periodical “Nutrients”. Endometriosis has features of chronic inflammation based on uncontrolled hormonal response and immune-mediated dysfunctions. Estrogens are endocrine and paracrine agents that could yield…
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Endometriosis Increases the Risk of Premature Labor Study Reports
By Özge Özkaya
Women with endometriosis who conceive naturally are at a high risk of giving birth prematurely and having their baby admitted to neonatal intensive care unit, compared to women without the disease, according to the results of a clinical study. The…
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Persistence of Chronic Pelvic Pain after Hysterectomy
By Hale Goksever Celik
Chronic pelvic pain is defined as the "pain in the pelvic area that lasts for 6 months or longer". There are several gynecological, urological, and gastrointestinal reasons for the development of chronic pelvic pain. Nociceptive pain or central sensitization is…
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Etiopathogenesis of Endometriosis and Links with Endometrial Cancer
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Professor Terzic and colleagues from the Medical School of Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan published their review on the molecular aspects of endometriosis and endometrial cancer in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”. The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis has remained controversial, with recent studies…
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Ovarian cancer risk in endometriosis and adenomyosis
By Eylül GÜN
Through the historical development of the nomenclature for endometriotic tissue found inside and/or outside the uterus, many terminologies have been used. The accepted terminology is still the one introduced by Sampson: “Endometriosis”. “Adenomyosis” also known as “endometriosis interna” which is…
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Uterine cancer risk in "endometriosis" and "adenomyosis"
By Selma Oransay
Adenomyosis and endometriosis share similar characteristics, and endometriosis is reported to have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. However, the risk of uterine cancer is not clear yet. Hermens and colleagues from Catharina Hospital, from the Netherlands, designed a population-based…
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Endogenous cannabinoids are related to endometriosis pain
By Eylül GÜN
Pain, specifically dysmenorrhea is the most important symptom of endometriosis. Prostaglandins are the main director of the pain process in dysmenorrhea, therefore the mechanisms affecting the prostaglandin metabolism have been studied in order to find a treatment for pain, and found that…
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Dienogest treatment increases the risk of Endometriosis reoperation rate
By Selma Oransay
The common and accepted therapy of endometriosis is surgery, however medical treatment such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, oral contraceptives and oral progestins are used for either relieving pain or to prevent recurrences and reoperation. Due to bone loss and…
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Adenomyosis in adolescents
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Exacoustos and colleagues from two tertiary referral university hospitals in Italy published their results on adenomyosis in adolescent patients in a recent issue of “The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology”. Adenomyosis is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma…
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A new "survey-based" endometriosis diagnostic tool
By Bahar Yuksel
Endometriosis is a disease that is diagnosed years after its appearance which causes life quality impairment to patients. It is crucial for the patient to find out the probability of the presence of endometriosis, for applying to healthcare providers before…
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A rare complication of endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Morales et al. from the Monterrey School of Medicine, Mexico, reported a case of bowel intussusception in a woman with severe endometriosis to draw attention to this very rare endometriosis complication. The case is a 27 years old young female…
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Ovarian Cancer Survival in the presence of Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Women with ovarian cancer and histologically proven endometriosis have longer overall survival compared to those with ovarian cancer but no endometriosis, found a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “[…] Women diagnosed as having ovarian cancer…
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The added value of transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy for infertile women
By Selma Oransay
The added value of invasive diagnostic laparoscopy has been questioned, postponed by the increased usage of ultrasonography for the evaluation of infertile patients. Gordts et al. from Life Expert Center, Leuven, Belgium have been working on an alternative way called "transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy" to…
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Endometrioma post-surgical-recurrence risk factors
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Jiang and associates from Dailan Medical University, China published their review manuscript “Risk factors for ovarian endometrioma recurrence following surgical excision: a systematic review and meta‑analysis” in the June 2021 issue of "Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics". The most common form of endometriosis, "ovarian…
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The role of physical examination and interview in Endometriosis Diagnosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Today we know that the most accurate diagnosis of endometriosis necessitates surgery and histopathological examination of the excised lesions. However, many women are misdiagnosed due to various symptoms of endometriosis which mystify gastrointestinal, urinary, and musculoskeletal diseases. Nawrocka-Rutkowska and colleagues…
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Non-invasive Construction of Endometrial Organoids
By Eylül GÜN
Organoids are 3D culture structures established in vitro and they reflect the aspects of the tissue or the organ they represent. They are seen as important tools in the evaluation of normal development, disease course, and the prediction of the…
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The incidence and prevalence of endometriosis in a United States population-based study .
By Selma Oransay
To define the accurate incidence and prevalence estimates of endometriosis among nonselected cohorts in the USA, Christ et al. from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Washington, Seattle, planned a retrospective cohort study using the electronic KPWA…
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Long noncoding RNAs to predict the endometriosis recurrence
By Hale Goksever Celik
Despite extensive research, the exact pathophysiologic mechanism of endometriosis remains unclear; and the absence of non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose endometriosis is still a big problem both for clinicians and patients. The recurrence of endometriosis is another challenge that is difficult…
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Transvaginal Ultrasound Accuracy for Uterosacral Ligament, Torus Uterinus and Posterior Fornix Endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
The accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis depends on the location. The sensitivity is up to 80% when the lesion is in the rectosigmoid, but it decreases up to 66% for the detection of posterior vaginal…
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The clues for pain and infertility in endometriosis/adenomyosis complex
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Drs. Gruber and Mechsner from Charite University-Berlin, Germany published their comprehensive review on pathophysiological background of endometriosis and adenomyosis in the scientific periodical “Cells”. Chronic pain and fertility problems are the main clinical issue in endometriosis and adenomyosis patients. In order to…
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How to measure the length of recto-sigmoid deep endometriosis reliably?
By Eylül GÜN
An in-depth assessment is needed when rectosigmoid deep endometriosis is decided to be treated surgically. Surgery carries a lot of risks and it is not always easy to decide which procedure the patient would benefit the most from. Patient-oriented surgical…
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A scoping review proposal for the diagnostic and treatment delay of endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Women with endometriosis suffer from pain for a prolonged time due to diagnostic and treatment delay which is the most challenging aspect of endometriosis. Cromeens et al, from the USA, published a review entitled “Timing, delays, and pathways to the…
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Not just the pain stops but also the bowel function improves after DIE surgery
By Bahar Yuksel
Bowel endometriosis and the techniques to operate it have always been a challenge. The study conducted by Beraldo et al., from Brazil, highlighted the results of an effective nerve-sparing bowel surgery on endometriosis lesions and its long-term effects on patients. The…
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Exploring a bonafide biomarker to predict endometriosis
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis is a complex disease affecting many women in the reproductive age group. As it is important to figure out the mechanisms responsible for the disease, it is also crucial to identify biomarkers that can be used in the diagnosis…
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Promising therapeutic results in experimental endometriosis model
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Tiziana Genovese and associates from Italian academic centers reported their pioneering findings in an experimental model of endometriosis administering an anti-tumor agent and glucocorticoid combination, published in the scientific periodical “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”. Endometriosis is a worldwide common disease…
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Is the presence of nerve fibers in the endometrium associated with endometriosis?
By Eylül GÜN
Endometriosis is a common disease in reproductive women and diagnostic imaging have a limited role in its diagnosis. The gold standard diagnostic method remains to be the histopathological examination of the tissue obtained via laparoscopy. One of its most common…
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Adenomyosis, fertility, and obstetric outcomes
By Hale Goksever Celik
Adenomyosis is the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal cells within the myometrial wall. Although magnetic resonance imaging has a higher ability to discriminate and identify adenomyosis, transvaginal ultrasonography is a cheaper, more accessible, and practical method in daily clinical practice for…
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Impact of adenomyosis on sexual life
By Selma Oransay
Considering the similar etiopathogenesis and pain symptoms between adenomyosis and deep infiltrating endometriosis, Alcalde et al. from the Department of Gynecology, University of Barcelona, Spain, aimed to call attention to the presence of potential sexual dysfunction not only in patients with deep…
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Analyses of the main classification systems of endometriosis in terms of utrasound, MRI and surgery
By Selma Oransay
Several classifications made by gynecologists, image readers, and radiologists lead to confusion while describing the situation and estimating the progress of endometriosis. Daniela Fischerova team from the Charles University of Prague, Czech Republic, analyzed the main classifications of endometriosis in three…
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The Severity of Pain Does not Predict Endometriosis or its Stage, Study Confirms
By Özge Özkaya
The intensity of pain a woman experiences could predict whether or not she would undergo laparoscopic surgery. However, it could not predict whether she has endometriosis or in case she did, the severity of her disease. This is according to…
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Predictors for achieving pregnancy in patients with adenomyosis and endometriosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Adenomyosis and endometriosis are benign conditions, however, both situations are associated with deterioration of life quality, a requirement of hospital administrations, and infertility. Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment option especially for women who desire pregnancy. Shi and colleagues aimed…
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A pictorial overview of abdominal wall endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Abdominal wall endometriosis is the most frequent location of extrapelvic endometriosis, and defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue between the peritoneum and the skin through the abdominal wall. Although obstetric or gynecologic surgical history is indispensable for the…
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Ultrasonographic signs of adenomyosis, surgery and infertility in endometriosis patients
By Bahar Yuksel
Adenomyosis is simply defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the uterine myometrium and is related to severe menstrual bleeding, pain, and infertility. Previous reports demonstrated the coexisting of endometriosis and adenomyosis is common. In the present…
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Combined contraceptive pills and immune system cells in the endometriotic cyst wall
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Wanwisa Waiyaput and associates from Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, have published their results on the immune regulatory cells of the surgically resected endometriotic cyst walls in the “Journal of Ovarian Research”. The defective immune response is believed to have…
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Retinol-binding protein in endometriosis pathogenesis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Jae Chul Lee and associates from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, have published the recent results of their research on endometriosis regarding the role of retinol-binding protein4…
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The higher the cyst fluid iron concentration, the more severe the pain symptom for endometrioma
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis usually is encountered in three different forms: superficial peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian cysts (endometrioma) and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Endometrioma can be identified as cystic lesions consisting of dark brown endometrial fluid and are sometimes referred to as "chocolate cysts." The presence…
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The need for the standardization of diagnostic protocols for "adenomyosis"
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Squillace and associates from Brasilian Academic and Health Centers published their paper titled “Adenomyosis and in vitro fertilization impacts- a literature review” in a recent issue of "JBRA Assisted Reproduction". As common gynecological ailment adenomyosis frequently coexists with endometriosis.…
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Endometriosis scar disruption may lead to "spontaneous hemorrhage in pregnancy" and can be life-threatening.
By Selma Oransay
Kollikonda et al from Cleveland Clinic Women's Health Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, US penned a case report about their hemoperitoneum experience during labor, which was recently published in the "Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneaecology Canada". The aim is to warn obstetricians…
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Evaluation of preoperative risk factors of ureteral endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis affects the urinary tract in 1% to 5.5% of the patients, and among them, bladder involvement is 70-85%, while ureteral involvement alone is 9% to 23%. Ureteral endometriosis is most commonly unilateral, especially on the left side, usually affecting…
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Promising potential research topic: diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Toczek and collegues from the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, have published a review paper on possible diagnostic aid of cytokines in endometriosis. This review appears in May issue…
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Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells are gaining importance in endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Wertel and associates from Polish academic centers published their sentimental review paper on the role of "Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells" in human diseases, in a recent issue of Cells. Endometriosis, the most common gynecological disease affecting about 10% of women globally,…
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Progestin suppression for endometriosis before IVF
By Hale Goksever Celik
“Dienogest is a suitable and safe substitute for GnRHa pretreatment in endometriosis patients”, according to the Khalifa et al., from Egypt. Endometriosis is one of the leading reasons for infertility due to decreased oocyte/embryo quality, fertilizability, tubal function, and aberrant endometrial…
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Endometriosis in intestine! Segmental resection or linear nodulectomy?
By Bahar Yuksel
Intestinal involvement of endometriosis is common, and the incidence was defined between 45-56%. Previous studies investigating the role of surgery in the management of intestinal endometriosis reported improvement of life quality in up to 95% of cases following surgery. However,…
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The association of chronic endometritis, endometriosis and tubal infertility
By Selma Oransay
Holzer et al. from the Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine of Medical University of Vienna, Austria, set up apilot prospective cohort study to evaluate the relationship between chronic endometritis, infertility and endometriosis. The results of the study were recently…
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Endometriosis and susceptibility to COVID-19
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Moazzami and associates from Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Tehran, Iran have published their results on COVID-19 in endometriosis patients in the medical journal named "BMC’s Women’s Health". COVID-19 is still an emerging critical global health problem…
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Improvement of the quality of life after surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Deeply infiltrating endometriosis is the most severe form among the endometriosis types. The required laparoscopic approach is the appropriate excision of endometriotic foci from pelvis, by consideration of failure and side effects of the medical treatments. The specialist endometriosis centers…
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Targeting Endometriosis From a Different Angle
By Özge Özkaya
Dopamine agonists could help reduce the size of endometriosis lesions and minimize pain, while maintaining ovulation, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction. This constitutes a completely different approach in targeting endometriosis according to Dr.…
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Adenomyosis: accuracy of the diagnostic methods and the synchronism with deep infiltrating endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Alborzi and associates from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, have published their comprehensive retrospective research conducted on 3725 patients with clinical symptoms of endometriosis over a period of 3 years, in "Reproductive Sciences" medical journal. A relationship between…
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Current research on adenomyosis tissues with immunohistochemistry reveal novel findings
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Xiaofang Xu and associates from Fudan University, China have recently published their research on adenomyosis-related research results in "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology". Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological condition, prevalent worldwide that is characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissues in…
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Endometrial receptivity after the removal of ovarian endometriotic cysts
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Mikhaleva and associates from the "Russian Research Institute of Human Morphology" published their results in “Reproductive Sciences” yielding their novel morphological findings of eutopic endometria in patients following surgical excision of endometriotic ovarian cysts. Current therapeutic measures are targeting to…
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The cause of PAIN in patients with adenomyosis
By Bahar Yuksel
Adenomyosis is known to be a painful disease with heavy menstrual cycles and negatively affects fertility. Even adenomyosis and endometriosis look alike, it is still crucial to call them as different variation of the same disease. The mechanism underlying the…
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Impaired fertility potential in endometriosis patients
By Hale Goksever Celik
Infertility is frequently encountered in endometriosis patients because of anatomic distortion, alterations in endometrial receptivity, diminished tubal peristalsis and sperm movements. Garcia-Fernandez and García-Velasco, from Edinburgh, UK and Madrid, Spain, published a mini-review titled “Endometriosis and Reproduction: What We Have…
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Do Adolescents Know About Endometriosis?
By Özge Özkaya
Most secondary school girls have painful periods and many of them don’t know what typical periods are like, according to a study published in the "Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology". The majority of the girls do not have knowledge…
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By Dr. Youngran ParkNanomedicines for Endometriosis
By Dr. Youngran Park
Scientific research on nanoparticles is intense as they have many potential applications in medicine. Nanomaterials have been widely explored for imaging and treatment of various diseases, especially cancer, over the recent twenty years. The absence of non-invasive diagnostic tests and…
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Antioxidant therapy for the endometriosis pain
By Selma Oransay
Ts the protective defense mechanism of cells, hence the destruction of balance between oxidants and antioxidants in our body is called "redox imbalance". The major oxidants are reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are involved in multiple cellular processes by physiologically…
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The role of hormonal treatment after endometriosis surgery
By Bahar Yuksel
Postoperative hormonal suppression after endometriosis surgery still does not have a uniform approach. The meta-analysis study conducted by Zakhari et al. aimed to find a significant answer regarding this burden. They analyzed the database systems including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL,…
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"Speckle sign": a novel transvaginal ultrasound finding for posterior compartment endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Balcacer and associates from three medical institutions located in the USA report the results of their retrospective study on deep infiltrating endometriosis utilizing transvaginal ultrasound examination and the proposed “speckle sign” in the "Journal of Ultrasound Medicine". Pelvic ultrasound…
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Live Birth Rate in Women Who Underwent Fresh Embryo Transfer Using Freshly Retrieved Donor Oocytes
By Hale Goksever Celik
One of the important clinical findings in women with endometriosis is reproductive problems. Infertility can be encountered in up to 50% of women with endometriosis and up to 50% of women with infertility can be diagnosed with endometriosis. Several pathophysiologic…
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What is the cause of Dienogest-resistance in patients with endometrioma?
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis may cause infertility in women, leading to adhesions in the pelvis, besides affecting the ovaries. Clinicians concern about the child-bearing desire of their patients when treating them surgically or with hormonal therapy. Dienogest (DNG) is a kind of progestin,…
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Time for noninvasive serum markers for endometriosis diagnosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Onur Guralp and associates from Germany and Turkey published their results on serum markers predicting endometriosis in the "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology". Still, in 21st-century medicine, doctors can not diagnose endometriosis using biochemical serum markers. Proposed serum markers…
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By Ellen TumimbangEndometriosis, Fatigue and Productivity
By Ellen Tumimbang
Fatigue is one of the prominent and distressing symptoms of endometriosis-associated with insomnia, depression, pain, occupational stress, and reduced health-related quality of life. Endometriosis-related fatigue causes significant impairments in workplace productivity and daily activities of women with endometriosis. Loss of…
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Separation of epithelia and stroma components in endometriosis lesions yields remarkable molecular points - Ie-Ming Shih, MD, Ph.D.
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
The pathologies of adenomyosis and endometriosis are unique among non-malignant gynecological diseases and provide fertile research topics. Ectopic endometrial tissues may have distinct molecular changes distinct from eutopic endometria despite having similar morphology. In this regard, there are intriguing suggestions as…
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Further Evidence that endometriosis is related to tubal or ovarian cancer - Togas Tulandi, MD
By Selma Oransay
Most authors suggest an association of endometriosis mainly with clear cell, low-grade serous, and endometrioid ovarian cancer. But in two large cohort studies, no correlation between them is reported (Olson et al. 2002 and Tseng et al. 2019) Dr. Tulandi…
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Insoluble Dilemma of Adenomyosis: Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment - Errico Zupi, MD
By Selma Oransay
The prevalence of adenomyosis has been reported to range from 1% to 70% in different studies. This large range can be explained by the lack of standard diagnostic criteria by imaging modalities or pathological analyses. Sixty-five% of the women with adenomyosis…
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Endometriosis: Less is better. How to improve the integration between surgical and medical therapy - Errico Zupi, MD
By Özge Özkaya
In this presentation, Dr. Errico Zupi, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rome talks about the importance of an integrative approach comprising of both medical and surgical interventions to treat endometriosis. "The first…
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Implantation failure in endometriosis patients - Jovana Lekovich, MD., PhD.
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is one of the leading reasons for infertility due to decreased oocyte/embryo quality, fertilization ability, tubal function, and aberrant endometrial receptivity. Whether this failure is caused by oocyte/embryo or eutopic endometrium is one of the investigated topics in endometriosis…
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In vitro fertilization protocols in endometriosis patients - Pinar Kodaman, MD., PhD.
By Hale Goksever Celik
Infertility is frequently encountered in endometriosis patients because of anatomic distortion, alterations in endometrial receptivity, diminished tubal peristalsis, and sperm movements. Even though the disease stage and presence of endometrioma is negatively correlated with infertility, it is unpredictable which women…
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Endometrioma size and anti-Müllerian hormone levels
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriotic lesions are encountered in different locations in the pelvic cavity, including but not limited to the ovaries, the pouch of Douglas, the ureters, the bladder, and the bowel. Cystic endometriosis lesions located in the ovary are called "endometrioma". Endometriomas have…
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Endometriosis and chronic opioid use
By Selma Oransay
The members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have declared that gynecologists prescribe opioids after laparoscopic hysterectomy, or for relieving endometriosis pain, although guidelines are not available for when or how to use opioids for the treatment of endometriosis-associated…
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By Irem OnurAdolescent endometriosis: Diagnostic clues?
By Irem Onur
The rates of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents showing endometriosis signs on ultrasound are significantly higher compared to those without. This is according to a retrospective observational study recently published in the journal "Fertility and Sterility". The…
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Reduced risk of "small for gestational age baby" following frozen embryo transfer in endometriosis patients
By Hale Goksever Celik
Infertility is encountered frequently in patients with endometriosis. These women could be managed using assisted reproductive technology (ART) including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancy. However, some adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes are experienced more…
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Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities for the deep infiltrating endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
The treatment of deeply infiltrated endometriosis (DIE) is usually personalized and the potential success for the available therapeutical options is dependent on early and accurate diagnosis. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of DIE. Other non-invasive diagnostic methods…
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A pilot study for Endometriosis Potential biomarkers
By Ellen Tumimbang
Endometriosis is one of the most common female health disorders typically causing dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain, and may contribute to infertility. It is necessary to identify potential molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and regulatory factors behind the disease. The study…
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Endometriosis and adenomyosis could be the “sides of the same coin”.
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
The two common gynecological disorders, namely adenomyosis, and endometriosis are not settled yet, whether they are representing two different entities or different phenotypes of the same ailment. Dr. Maruyama and colleagues from Nara, Japan searched PubMed and Google Scholar electronic…
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By Timur SeckinCombination of noninvasive biomarkers in the identification of endometriosis
By Timur Seckin
The combined measurement of urine enolase, serum CA125, and CA19-9 may be an accurate test for the prediction and detection of endometriosis. This is according to a study published in the journal BioMedical Research International. The gold standard for the…
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A new Marker to Detect Endometriosis and Its Severity?
By Özge Özkaya
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) could be a novel marker that could help diagnose endometriosis as well as to detect its severity. This is according to a new study by researchers in Egypt, published in the scientific journal "BMC Women’s Health".…
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Segmental bowel resection could be predicted using MRI in patients with rectal endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
The rectum and recto-sigmoid junction are the preferential localisations of bowel endometriosis. The three main surgical approaches are shaving, disc excision, and segmental resection. It is very important to decide the most appropriate surgical method preoperatively and to plan accordingly. …
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CA125 do not correlate with pain and its severity among adolescents
By Ellen Tumimbang
Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is a high molecular weight glycoprotein expressed in tissue derived from the coelomic and Mullerian epithelia including the uterus endometrium. Previous studies reported that CA125 is the most studied endometriosis marker. Women with endometriosis experienced different…
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Non-coding RNAs and Endometriosis
By Ellen Tumimbang
Non-coding RNAs may have a fundamental role in the development of endometriosis. Non-coding transcripts have regulatory roles in the expression of protein-coding genes, thus regulate several signaling pathways. Based on their length, these non-coding RNAs are classified into two main classes:…
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Body mass index, the incidence of endometriosis and the severity of dysmenorrhoea
By Timur Seckin
According to a case-control study conducted by researchers from China, there is no association between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of endometriosis. This finding contrasts with the conventional knowledge that low BMI is a risk factor for endometriosis.…
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The peculiarity of adolescent endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Recent studies showed the prevalence of endometriosis in adolescents with chronic cyclic or acyclic pelvic pain is about 60-70%. Moreover, all stages of endometriosis, including deeply infiltrating endometriosis can be found in this population. Gubbels et al. from the Department…
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Sexual Quality of Life in Women With Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Painful intercourse, more severe period pain, worse health-related quality of life, and unemployment are all associated with worse sexual quality of life in women with endometriosis. This is according to a Dutch study published in the scientific journal Sexual Medicine.…
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The more than expected prevalence of endometriosis in patients with Mullerian abnormalities
By Bahar Yuksel
Congenital müllerian anomalies resulting in a spectrum of uterine abnormalities are caused by the abnormal embryologic fusion of the müllerian ducts to form a normal uterine cavity. They are often unrecognized because they are usually asymptomatic. The presence of a uterine…
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Pain and Quality of Life Following Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis
By Ellen Tumimbang
Currently, laparoscopy is the preferred approach as a surgical treatment of endometriosis. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery to reduce the painful symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with endometriosis in the short term…
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Endometriosis-related obstetrical complications and their outcome
By Selma Oransay
Borisova et al. from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Peoples' Friendship University, Moskow, Russia, and her colleagues from the Center of Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine of University Perugia, Italy, recently published a review of the literature data about…
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Predictors of voiding dysfunction after surgery for deep endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
While surgery for deep endometriosis provides relief and improves the quality of life in symptomatic patients for whom medical therapy has limited effect, it may also create postoperative lower urinary tract dysfunction. Moreover, postoperative voiding dysfunction could affect the quality…
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By Murat OsmanColorectal Deep Endometriosis Resection and Potential Complications
By Murat Osman
A severe clinical form of endometriosis, deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is characterized by more aggressive endometriotic lesions commonly involving deeper pelvic or gastrointestinal organs. It causes significant quality of life impairment and morbidity and is increasingly associated with infertility. When…
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Deep Endometriosis or Recto-uterine Obliteration Without Endometrioma
By Selma Oransay
The diagnostic help of ultrasound is increasing by its ability to diagnose deep infiltrating and rectouterine pouch obliteration in patients who are suffering from chronic pelvic pain. Clinicians are used to evaluating the rectal and parametrial areas of the endometriotic…
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Endometrial polyps of patients with and without endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Endometrial polyps are benign local overgrowths comprising both glands and the stroma, and are quite common in gynecological practice. Endometriosis patients also commonly have polyps, which have yielded different features than those from patients without endometriosis. Dr. Jiangand and associates…
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Benefits of Nerve-Sparing Hysterectomy
By Selma Oransay
The retroperitoneal spread of endometriosis or cancer may involve pelvic autonomic nerves situated on the lateral aspects of uterosacral ligaments, vesicouterine ligaments, and medial aspects of parametria. During the conventional open hysterectomy operations, nerve-sparing excision is very difficult, simply because pelvic autonomic nerves…
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Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in adolescents
By Irem Onur
The belief that dysmenorrhea, the primary symptom of endometriosis, in adolescents is an inevitable condition seen in menstruation as well as unwillingness to perform diagnostic laparoscopy may cause the delay of diagnosis of endometriosis. This is according to a recent…
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Endometriosis prevalence among adolescents with pelvic pain
By Irem Onur
An updated review conducted by the investigators at EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, United Kingdom, in collaboration with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Foundation Trust of the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham…
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By Yu YuHormone Therapy Before Endometriosis Surgery
By Yu Yu
Hormonal therapy can be effective for endometriosis, although laparoscopic surgery is required for the frequent drug-resistant symptoms. Laparoscopic surgery can markedly improve endometriosis-associated pain. The administration of GnRH agonist prior to endometriosis laparoscopic surgery may be beneficial to improve surgical…
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Is Endometriosis More Common Among Women of Certain Race/Ethnicity?
By Özge Özkaya
Race/ethnicity seems to have an influence on the prevalence of endometriosis with black women appearing to be less likely to be diagnosed with the disease compared to white women. However, other factors such as access and response to treatment may…
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Adolescent dysmenorrhea diagnosis and management
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is usually diagnosed in reproductive-aged women. However, recent literature proved that clinical symptoms of endometriosis are also seen the adolescent girls and young women. Dysmenorrhea, the most common gynecologic complaint among this age group, can develop due to endometriosis.…
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Anogenital distance and endometriosis
By Timur Seckin
Endometriosis may be associated with exposure of the embryo to chemicals called ‘endocrine disruptors’. Exposure to endocrine disruptors can be estimated by measuring the anogenital distance (i.e. the distance between the clitoris and the anus), using a centimeter ruler with…
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International experts commentary for assisted fertility treatment facilities amidst COVID-19
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
A multinational and multi-institutional commentary led by Dr. Alviggi from Italy and Dr.Esteves from Brazil has addressed important issues on assisted reproductive technology treatment amid COVID-19 lockdown suggesting remedies in the journal of "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology" May 2020 issue.…
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Racial and ethnic disparities and women health
By Selma Oransay
The well documented racial and ethnic disparities in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the US make available to use them as an indicator of implicit bias in giving unequal health and care service to minorities. Dr. Bryant from Massachusetts General Hospital,…
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The effect of endometriosis on the quality of life
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis, the disease defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal tissue outside the uterine cavity, can be diagnosed in the reproductive-aged women with an incidence of 7-15%. However, endometriosis is observed in women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome…
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Endometriosis Diagnosis in White, Black, and Asian Women
By Özge Özkaya
In a commentary published in the "International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology", Drs. Farland and Horne talk about a study by researchers in Canada and the Philippines, which found that black women are less likely, and Asian women are more likely to…
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Race, socioeconomic status, and health
By Dr. Youngran Park
Racial disparities in health have been long noted in the United States. The differences in socioeconomic status across racial groups are a major contributor to racial disparities in health. However, race reflects multiple dimensions of social inequality. Understanding and effectively…
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Diagnosis and treatment algorithm for endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive disease that affects 25-30% of women between 25-35years, clinicians commonly experience during their gynecologic practice. However, the diagnosis is still late or sometimes incorrect, and this creates severe health problems and worse outcomes. A…
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By Nadire DuruCase-control study to develop a questionnaire for early diagnosis of endometriosis
By Nadire Duru
Endometriosis, which affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age, is a chronic gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus, associated with several discomforts such as pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, and infertility. Ultrasound evaluation…
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Risk Factors Associated with Ureteral Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Patients with severe endometriosis, uterosacral ligament deep involvement with endometriosis lesions of 3 cm in diameter or more, and the presence of previous endometriosis surgery have a significantly higher risk of having ureteral endometriosis. This is according to a study…
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Resveratrol for infertility: A frenemy?
By Selma Oransay
Ovarian aging is defined by an age-specific decline of the functional ovarian reserve. Female ovarian reserve declines progressively with increasing chronological age. Chronic damage by reactive oxygen species results in deterioration and aging through mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, cohesion dysfunction,…
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Postmenopausal endometriosis: Is it a rare phenomenon?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis, the estrogen-dependent disease defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal tissue outside the uterine cavity, is generally diagnosed in the reproductive-aged women. However, recent literature proved that this disease can also be observed in the premenopausal and…
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Improved fusion imaging for the detection of Endometriosis
By Murat Osman
This paper studied a new fusion method for magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound (US) imaging for the appropriate diagnosis of endometriosis. The diagnosis of endometriosis in patients with a chronic pelvic disease is delayed, due to the disease, patient, and physician-led…
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Appendiceal endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Jeong et al. from the Departement of Surgery, Trinity School of Medicine, Saint Vincent, recently published their interesting appendectomy case in "Hong Kong Medical Journal". In their case, endometriosis inside the cavity of the appendix mimicked appendicitis, the patient submitted…
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Defective “ferroptosis”: a new pathogenetic explanation of endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Ng and associates from Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA made a comprehensive review of the role of the iron element in the development of endometriotic lesions. Though iron element is essential for cell survival, and its deficiency is important…
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Transvaginal sonography for predicting the distance between rectosigmoid endometriosis and the anal verge
By Timur Seckin
For optimal surgery, pre-surgical assessment of the distance between rectosigmoid deep endometriosis lesions and the anal verge (Lesion to Anal Verge Distance-LAVD) is recommended by many specialists. A group of researchers from Norway, Austria, and Australia studied the accuracy of…
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tRNA-derived fragments in ovarian endometriosis?
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent mysterious disorder characterized by the presence of endometrium outside the normal location of the uterus cavity. This disease affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women and becomes a major reason for infertility in reproductive-aged women and dysmenorrhea…
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A Routine Pelvic Ultrasound Examination Should Include an Evaluation for Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Routine pelvic ultrasound examination should be extended beyond the uterus and ovaries into the posterior and anterior pelvic compartments, according to Australian doctors. With such examinations, deep infiltrating endometriosis nodules can be searched, say the authors, allowing women to be…
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Non-hormonal chemicals for endometriosis related pain reduction
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Loi and colleagues conducted a clinical prospective study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Italy, and published in the journal "International Journal of Women’s Health". Formation of adhesions and/or interference with the reproductive process endometriosis, severe…
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Fertility preservation protocols in women with endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Infertility is one of the major symptoms in women with endometriosis. Childbearing at a delayed age is preferred by the majority of women recently who consult for the demand for fertility preservation procedures. There are several techniques for fertility preservation…
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All aspects of endometriosis reviewed with focus on modern management
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Chapron and associates from academic centers in France published in Nature Review Endocrinology, a comprehensive review on endometriosis. The article is inclusive of all aspects of endometriosis but especially focuses on the management of the disease with its contemporary status. Having a…
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Kisspeptin and its Receptor in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
By Irem Onur
It is known that matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. For example, the upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may enhance the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, facilitating cell migration and invasion. Kisspeptin (KISS1, also…
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Cycle-related gastrointestinal complaints in reproductive age young women
By Timur Seckin
An analysis of 1-year data on 266 patients who presented to the Clinic and Polyclinic for Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at Jena University Hospital to undergo surgery for endometriosis and its symptoms was performed by Nicolaous K. et al., a…
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Clinical Evaluation of Endometriosis-Associated Pain
By Nadire Duru
Endometriosis has a noteworthy impact on the quality of life of the patients diagnosed with it since it is associated with unpleasant conditions such as endometriosis-associated pain. The diagnosis of endometriosis is not always straightforward because of the varying symptoms…
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The genetic mutations in uterine adenomyosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Adenomyosis is defined as the localization of endometrial stromal and glandular cells in the myometrium. This disease is a reproductive-aged women disease, like endometriosis. Additionally, adenomyosis is frequently observed together with endometriosis and leiomyomas due to common histological features and…
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Phytotherapy as an alternative endometriosis treatment
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease that affects 5–10% of women in fertile age. Different therapeutic strategies are available to treat this disease, such as surgery, hormonal therapies, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medical therapy usually consists of different hormonal drugs,…
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Primary care physicians have a crucial role in the early diagnosis of endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Verket and associates from the University of Oslo, Norway, published their cross-sectional anonymous postal questionnaire study in "BMJ open". Diagnosing endometriosis is difficult because dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility are also common among other diseases. The most accurate and reliable diagnosis…
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Integrated bioinformatic analysis for endometriosis diagnosis
By Nadire Duru
Endometriosis is considered as a non-malignant disease, but it is associated with several unfavorable conditions including non‑menstrual pelvic pain and infertility. Surgical resection and hormone suppression are common means of treatments; however, several side-effects and the recurrence are not preventable.…
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Endometriosis and Women’s Tendency Towards Blood Clotting
By Özge Özkaya
Women with ovarian endometriomas have an abnormally increased tendency toward blood clotting, study shows. Researchers think that this is due to the inflammatory nature of endometriosis. So abnormal coagulation parameters could be used to diagnose endometriosis, however, more detailed studies…
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Rare lesions in the pathologic examinations of endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Dr. Glenn McCluggage from the Department of Pathology, Belfast Health, and Social Care Trust, penned a review about selected uncommon variants of endometriosis or benign alterations that may cause difficulties of pathologic diagnosis and provided all related histopathological illustrations in…
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A review of endometriosis in adolescent girls and young women
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease which is commonly diagnosed in reproductive-aged women. On the other hand, this disease can develop earlier in life due to different etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Especially adolescents who experienced neonatal uterine bleeding are under the risk for…
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Natural killer cells receptor expression in endometriosis
By Yu Yu
Increasingly, studies have reported that endometriosis pathogenesis is related to defect in immune functions. The data also points to the impaired function of natural killer (NK) cells, leading to less cytotoxic NK cell activity in endometriosis. Similar to B and…
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A new ultrasound subgrouping reveals good clinical correlations in adenomyosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Exacoustos and colleagues from two endometriosis tertiary referral centers in Rome, Italy published their observational, prospective study of the recently proposed transvaginal ultrasonographic scoring system in the "Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology". Adenomyosis or “endometriosis interna” is defined as the…
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Surgery and the endometriosis associated-pain: A systematic review
By Selma Oransay
The surgical approach for pelvic pain-related to endometriosis depends on the stage and the type of the endometriotic lesion and ranging from ablation and the excision of the lesions to radical surgery as hysterectomy with removal of ovaries and presacral…
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Circulating Endometrial Cells
By Yu Yu
Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose because of non-specific symptoms. Currently, there is no biomarker that allows for non-invasive diagnosis of the condition. Surgical laparoscopy remains the standard for diagnosis. Circulating endometrial cells (CECs) is the lymphovascular spread of endometrial cells.…
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By Demet Candaş GreenIs deep infiltrating rectosigmoid endometriosis a progressive disease?
By Demet Candaş Green
This study by Netter at al., published in "Human Reproduction" in November 2019 aimed to assess the risk of progression of deep endometriotic nodules infiltrating the rectosigmoid and to evaluate the influence of continuous amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation) on the development…
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Recurrent endometriosis is a real challenge both for the patients and clinicians
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is defined as the localization of endometrial stromal and glandular cells outside the uterine cavity. Current medical and surgical treatment options have several limitations including the side effects, costs, risk of recurrence, effects on conception capability. Recurrence is a…
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A new target for the treatment of endometriosis?
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis affects around 10% of women in reproductive age, estimating more than 176 million women worldwide. Inflammation in the pelvic cavity is very common in endometriosis patients. Therefore, there are high concentrations of cytokines and immune cells in the peritoneal…
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Transvaginal Ultrasound of Endometriosis
By Murat Osman
A recent manuscript published by Collins et al. from the Department of Radiology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center aims to review the transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) evaluation of endometriosis and offer a protocol that is dedicated to the thorough evaluation…
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Increased obstetrical complications after ART therapy in endometriosis patients.
By Selma Oransay
To examine the impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis on ART therapy, Harada et al. from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Tottori University, Japan, planned a prospective cohort study and published their results recently in PLoS One. The study…
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Consquences of endometriosis in menopausal period.
By Selma Oransay
Marie-Scemama et al. from Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France, referred to endometriosis and menopause which is an actual cruising topic and recently published it in the journal named "Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation". Endometriosis a well-known estrogen-dependent disease has three…
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New Protein for Endometriosis Diagnosis
By Özge Özkaya
A protein called TIMP3 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3) could be used for the diagnosis and prognosis (likely course) of endometriosis. The early diagnosis of endometriosis is of paramount importance because it can help to diagnosis and thus initiate the right…
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How does pregnancy affect endometriosis?
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is the localization of endometrial stromal and glandular cells outside the uterine cavity. Pregnancy is offered as a treatment option for patients with endometriosis because it causes atrophy of endometrial cells similar to progesterone treatment. Progesterone predominance during pregnancy,…
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Endometriosis and the quality of life
By Selma Oransay
Recent developments of technics and improvement of skill in the laparoscopic field increased the courage of clinicians to attempt early and multiple diagnostic operations on endometriotic patients. Vanuccini et al. from NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy recently published their…
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How Long Does it Take to Be Diagnosed with Endometriosis?
By Özge Özkaya
It takes a median of eight years to reach a diagnosis of endometriosis from when the symptoms of the condition first appear confirmed a new British study. Interestingly, it seems that the earlier the symptoms appear, the later the disease…
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Patients preferences for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is defined as the location of endometrial stroma and glands outside the uterine cavity. The most common presenting complaints are mainly dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility, most of which relate to the menstrual period. Those women affected…
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Adolescent dysmenorrhea and future endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
Dysmenorrhoea is typically classified as primary, or secondary due to underlying pathologies like fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis or uterine anomalies. Generally, long-term dysmenorrhea is present in endometriotic patient's anamnesis, but until recently, the research to clarify this connection remained retrospective. Knox et…
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Clinical trial for the use of oral lactobacillus on endometriosis pain severity
By Yu Yu
The standard treatment of endometriosis consists of surgery and hormonal based treatment. There is evidence for the efficacy of these types of treatment, although their side effects remain a critical consideration for women. Based on molecular studies, changes in the…
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How to predict complications for endometriosis surgery?
By Timur Seckin
In a new study co-led by scientists at Sorbonne University, a nomogram is built to better inform patients about the risk of deep endometriosis surgery without bowel involvement. The findings have been published in the European Journal of Obstetrics &…
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DNA repair defects and Endometriosis
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent disorder and highly associated with inflammation. It is well suggested that endometriosis increases the risks of developing cancers such as ovarian, breast, endocrine, and colorectal cancers. Compared to cancer, there are many similarities in endometriosis. Well-known characteristics…
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What happens to women with endometriosis after menopause?
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive period of life, with expected regression of lesions in the postmenopausal period. Literature about postmenopausal endometriosis assessing the prevalence, pathogenesis, and treatment is limited. As 2-5 % of postmenopausal women are affected by this uncommon condition, developing stress…
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Disparities in Access to Healthcare in Women with Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
There are significant differences in the use of medical services and prescriptions between women with endometriosis who have private healthcare and those who don’t. This is according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This…
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Inside to outside or from outside to inside?
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Pathogenesis of "adenomyosis", presence of the ectopic endometrium tissue within the uterine muscles, has largely been classically based on origin from basalis endometrium. Khan and associates from Japan have published their new conceptual findings on adenomyosis in Reproductive BioMedicine Online. In…
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Nanotechnology as a tool for targeted therapy of endometriosis
By Murat Osman
Endometriosis is a process whereby endometrial cells persistently grow and invade extra-uterine tissue through a primarily estrogen-dependent manner. These ectopic endometrial cells proliferate in sometimes an uncontrolled manner, similar to cancer or inflammatory tissues. To proliferate, cells need cholesterol to…
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How to Classify Endometriosis for a better and effective evaluation
By Selma Oransay
Endometriosis affects 10% of women in their reproductive period and causes infertility around 40% of women who have the disease. Peritoneal fluid may be one of the factors to facilitate the spread of endometriosis to ovaries, peritoneum and other deep…
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Which Diagnosis Technique is Better?
By Özge Özkaya
Transvaginal ultrasound provides a more accurate localization of vaginal and recto-vaginal endometriosis compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to a study published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. However, MRI has better accuracy in detecting bladder endometriosis…
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Infertility in women with endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease mostly encountered in reproductive-aged women. The most common presenting complaints are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Despite extensive research, the etiopathogenic mechanism underlying the two has not been fully elucidated. Although human…
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MRI or TVS for accurate diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis?
By Demet Candaş Green
Rectosigmoid endometriosis (RE) is seen in about 90% of patients with bowel endometriosis. Rectosigmoid is the region between the rectum and the sigmoid colon, which is a region easily accessed and assessed by two most common noninvasive imaging modalities –…
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Endometriosis: Comorbid Conditions
By Irem Onur
In the study of Dr. Boneva et al., from Atlanta, GA, the United States which has recently been published in the journal Frontiers in Pediatrics evaluated the impact of endometriosis on the health of women with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The authors compared…
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Seven Hormonal Biomarkers for Diagnosing Endometriosis
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition characterized by implantation and invasive growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Although it is benign, endometriosis has cancer-like features, a mutation profile similar to that of ovarian cancer, and increased ovarian cancer risk.…
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals – yet another environmental factor associated with endometriosis?
By Demet Candaş Green
This study by Wen et al., published in Gynecological Endocrinology, analyzed evidence connecting endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to the incidence of endometriosis in a collection of 30 previously published studies. Results show that exposure to many EDC's are linked to the…
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Searching new biomarkers for endometriosis
By Selma Oransay
This recent article published in Advances in Clinical Chemistry, is an overall summary of characteristics, physiopathological theories, diagnostic approaches and variety of biomarkers to diagnose endometriosis and penned by Coutinho et al. from Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Belo Horizonte,…
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New findings in adenomyosis (endometriosis interna) patients with potential theraupetic research implications
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Xue Shen and associates from Beijing, China have published their observations related to cannabinoid receptors, i.e., CB1 and CB2, in patients with adenomyosis, recently in the journal "Biomed Research International". Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent uterine disorder where a nonmalignant invasion…
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Proposed algorithm for a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
This recently published article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology is about the challenge of diagnosing endometriosis, its impact on women's daily life and authored by Agarwal et al. from The University of California, San Diego, CA, USA. Authors called attention…
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Adenomyosis (endometriosis interna): an enigmatic disease that has to be discovered yet
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Scientists, Drs. Vannuccini and Petraglia from Italy have published an open access comprehensive review of Adenomyosis in "F1000Research" in March 2019 issue. Adenomyosis is a uterine disorder in which endometrial glands and stroma are pathologically demonstrated within the myometrium, i.e.…
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The postoperative functional outcomes of deep infiltrating endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Rectosigmoid endometriosis is defined as the infiltration of the bowel wall with the endometrial-like glands and stroma, reaching at least the muscular layer. The most commonly involved sites are the rectum and sigmoid colon. For the management of deep infiltrating…
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Endometriosis and nuclear receptors
By Dr. Youngran Park
It is well recognized that endometriosis is a steroid-dependent disorder. In endometrial stromal cells, progesterone regulates retinoic acid production and action. Retinoids also act via a number of nuclear receptors (NRs) and are involved in normal endometrial function and endometriosis. Estrogen…
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The role of adhesion molecules, E-cadherin and hScrib, in endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Zhuo Ouyang and associates from the Capital Medical University, Beijing, China have recently published their research related to adhesion molecules in "Medicine (Baltimore)". Endometriosis is a “benign gynecological disease with some similarities to cancer”. Adhesion molecules E-cadherin and hScrib…
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Impact of Menstrual Symptoms on Everyday Life
By Dr. Youngran Park
Menstrual symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and significant perimenstrual mood disorders, are common gynecological conditions. About 30% of women consider their menstrual bleeding heavy, and 34–94% of women experience pain during their menstrual period. Menstrual symptoms have a significant…
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Preoperative factors to predict unresponsiveness in women undergoing endometriosis surgery
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity. Despite extensive research, the optimal management of endometriosis still remains unclear. Several treatment options include analgesic medication, hormonal treatments, and surgical intervention. There is…
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Immunologic Disorder in the Progression of Endometriosis
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis becomes increasingly a health-social problem. However, definite diagnostic biomarkers and more effective treatments for endometriosis are still missing to this day. Many researchers focus on the peritoneal microenvironment of patients with endometriosis, especially the immunological microenvironment. Recently, Jørgensen et…
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Building an ultrasonographic database for superficial endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Chowdary et al. from University of Auckland, Australia, recently published a retrospective, small group study in Australian New Zeland Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, to demonstrate ultrasonographic findings of mild endometriosis patients with pelvic pain are associated with their laparoscopic diagnosis.…
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By Serdar BalciPAX8 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of Extragenital Endometriosis
By Serdar Balci
This study is performed by Arakawa T et al., from the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, and the results are published in Reproductive Sciences. Endometriosis is seen in many organs including peritoneum, ovaries, bowel, bladder, and even lung. Histopathologic diagnosis may…
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Bowel endometriosis: What you need to know
By Demet Candaş Green
When the endometrial tissue infiltrates the intestinal walls and reaches inside the intestines, this condition is called "bowel endometriosis". It is estimated that between 3.8% and 37% of women with endometriosis are affected by bowel endometriosis. The endometriosis lesions infiltrating…
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Crocin improves endometriosis
By Yu Yu
Crocin is a carotenoid chemical compound in the flowers crocus and gardenia. It is one of the most important gradients in saffron. Previous studies showed that crocin may have multiple pharmacological effects including anti-tumor, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation. There are several…
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Additional research in understanding the causative link between Notch signaling and endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dustin M. Brown and associates from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences published their unique complex molecular research in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. This study group previously showed that decreased expression of the progesterone receptor (PGR) resulted from…
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Endometriosis and female pelvic pain in all aspects
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal tissue outside the uterine cavity. The prevalence of the disease ranges between 6-10% in reproductive-aged women. However, endometriosis is more frequently encountered in women with chronic pelvic pain and…
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Clonal Proliferation and Cancer Associated Mutations in normal uterine endometrium and endometriosis
By Serdar Balci
Suda et. al., from Niigata University, Japan, has published the article entitled "Clonal Expansion and Diversification of Cancer-Associated Mutations in Endometriosis and Normal Endometrium" in Cell Reports. There are many theories for endometriosis development (retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, Müllerian remnants),…
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Development of Less Invasive Diagnostic Tests for Endometriosis Through Proteomics
By Murat Osman
Proteomics is a field which utilizes various methods to carry out large-scale studies of proteins. Due to the inherent nature of the field, proteomics focuses on the identification, localization, and functional analysis of the protein make-up of a given type…
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Is the mystery for progression of endometriosis hiding out in abnormally located endometrial cells?
By Selma Oransay
This prospective study was conducted by Hapangama et al. in Research İnstute of the University of Liverpool, UK, and the results have recently published in the Journal of Human Reproduction. The authors hypothesized that abnormally located endometrial basalis-like (SSEA1/nSOX9+)cells could be contributing to…
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Endometriosis-associated pain control by contraceptive implant or intrauterine system
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis is defined as the localization of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity. The most common symptoms are dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain, all of which affect the quality of women’s lives. Several studies investigating the…
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Factors related to delay in endometriosis diagnosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Dr. Moniek van der Zanden, a gynecologist from Netherlands has recently made a nationwide survey on the impact of key recommendations of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines on endometriosis and aimed to assess factors influencing diagnostic delay of…
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Does the presence of endometriosis increase the risk of gynecologic malignancies?
By Serdar Balci
Endometriosis shares common risk factors with endometrial carcinoma and ovarian carcinomas such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperestrogenism, and reproductive characteristics. Endometriosis is also known to be a risk factor for gynecologic malignant tumors. In this study, Li et.al. have…
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Pelvic pain, congenital genital tract anomalies and endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Any failure during development and differentiation of female genital tract results in congenital tract anomalies. The origin of the hymen is the union of the caudal portion of the paramesonephric ducts and the urogenital sinus. It functions as a mechanical…
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What clinicians know about adenomyosis? Any association with severe endometriosis?
By Selma Oransay
Dior et al. from the Royal Women's Hospital in Parkville, Australia, designed a prospective study to assess the association between severity of endometriosis and sonographic evidence of adenomyosis (SEOA) in their recently published article appearing in The Journal of Minimally…
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Targeted therapy biomarkers in endometriosis associated ovarian carcinomas
By Serdar Balci
Endometriosis in ovaries is a known precursor of endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas. They may be resistant to classical therapies. Researchers search for alternative and targeted therapy options. This study, from the University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, will be…
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A Brief Review of Endometriosis
By Timur Seckin
Endometriosis is a common disease among women of reproductive age. It is more frequently seen among women without prior pregnancies, women with a family history of endometriosis, and women with abnormal menstrual periods. Peiris et al., researchers from the United…
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Endometriosis: A review on anatomic principles and the management
By Irem Onur
In the study of Alimi et al. which has been published in the journal Cureus, various aspects of endometriosis such as the pathophysiology, the anatomy, the pain mechanism, the perineural spread theory, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and imaging, infertility, unusual cases,…
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Progesterone Receptor Status in Endometriosis
By Serdar Balci
Some patients do not respond to progesterone hormone therapy. In this study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the authors led by Hugh S. Taylor from the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences from Yale…
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Preoperative Staging of Endometriosis: The Value of MRI After Dynamic Transvaginal Ultrasound
By Irem Onur
Since endometriosis is a chronic and progressive disease, early diagnosis and proper staging are important for the patient and for the clinician to discuss and plan the required surgical procedures for treatment. Common diagnostic tools for pre-operative staging of deep…
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The pain and its severity in deeply infiltrating endometriosis patients
By Selma Oransay
Liang et al. from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China, recently published an interesting paper in the Journal of Pain Research, a prospective study to reveal the relationship between neurogenesis and other potential…
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The diagnosis and management of endometriosis in Korea
By Selma Oransay
The Korean Society of Endometriosis has scrutinized the present published literature of endometriosis in the domestic and international platform to provide new guidelines and the clinical management of the disease. The study was recently published in the journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology…
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A novel neurotransmitter, Ninj1, has been found to be expressed in endometriosis
By Irem Onur
Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and adenomyosis, and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1b are highly expressed in them. Inflammation and subsequent hyperinnervation are involved in the pathophysiology of pain generation. High levels of expression of various…
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Best endometriosis articles of the past year.
By Selma Oransay
Dr.Stowall, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Methodist Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA penned this letter and recently published it in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology to show his remarks of importance on four best publications of the…
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Three dimensional sono-vaginography to diagnose rectovaginal endometriosis
By Hale Goksever Celik
Deep infiltrating endometriosis is defined as the localization of ectopic endometrial tissue penetrating more than 5 mm into the affected pelvic organs. Rectovaginal endometriosis is the most severe form of deep infiltrating endometriosis in which ectopic endometrial tissue infiltrating rectum…
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Non-assisted reproductive technology treatment: Is it effective in infertile patients with advanced endometriosis?
By Hale Goksever Celik
The marriage and childbearing ages delay due to the life-style changes in developed countries. As a result, advanced age becomes a major concern in infertility treatments which consist of non-ART and ART modalities. Non-ART treatments include mild ovarian stimulation together…
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Quality of life for women with endometriosis
By Irem Onur
Endometriosis symptoms may cause difficulties in daily activities and social life, altering general health and personal relationships and severely decrease the quality of life. Yoldemir T. evaluates the factors affecting the quality of life in endometriosis patients and the management strategies in…
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Vitamin D and Endometriosis
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
Scientists from Milan, Italy reviewed the effects of vitamin D on the reproductive health, and in particular "endometriosis" in their article which appeared in International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Vitamin D (VD), is a steroid hormone that is activated in…
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By Deniz KocasEndometriosis, Pain and Quality of Life
By Deniz Kocas
Although studies show that pain in endometriosis is associated with decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), details as to which pain symptoms contribute to such a decline have not been explored. For the first time in this study, researchers from…
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MTA1 as a predictor for the progression of endometriosis.
By Selma Oransay
Jing Zhang et al. from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Hainan, China, published their article in the open access medical journal "Medicine". Their aim was to evaluate the relationship between…
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Fighting with endometriosis
By Irem Onur
Maduro M.R. reviewed three separate studies on potential new targets to successfully manage endometriosis in her recent paper titled “Novel Strategies to Fight Endometriosis” published in the journal Reproductive Sciences. In the autotransplantation rat model of Torres-Reveron et al., the…
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Endometrioma and endometriosis
By Irem Onur
Exacoustos C. et al. published an article titled “The isolated ovarian endometrioma: a history between myth and reality” in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology in 2018. They aimed to examine the association between ovarian endometriomas detectable at the transvaginal ultrasound…
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How to evaluate ureteral endometriosis : A review of the literature
By Selma Oransay
In this recently published review of the literature, Barra et al. from Genova, Italy intend to provide a useful tool to guide physicians in the management of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Authors elected 67 abstracts from Pubmed and Medline in accordance with PRISMA…
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A Better Way to Diagnose Endometriosis?
By Özge Özkaya
Three proteins found in the blood and endometrial tissues could be used to determine the stage of endometriosis and the severity of painful periods according to a study published in the journal Current Medical Science. Evaluating the levels of these…
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How are endometriosis patients managed clinically?
By Irem Onur
This review paper by Falcone and Flyckt, entitled “Clinical Management of Endometriosis” published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology aims to summarize the current strategies for treating endometriosis patients with pain, pelvic dysfunction, and subfertility related to their disease. There are many…
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Should I Have Surgery Before Trying to Conceive?
By Özge Özkaya
The presence of rectouterine nodules is associated with a lower chance of becoming pregnant with in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to a study published in the Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction. This finding is important as it can…
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Women recommended laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain
By Irem Onur
Chronic pelvic pain is a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. It has many etiologies in many organ systems. Clinician and patient factors affect the management of chronic pelvic pain. Mirowska-Allen K.L. et al. have recently published an article titled, “The characteristics of…
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By Kasthuri NairGnRH Analogues Not Beneficial For Superovulation and Intrauterine Insemination
By Kasthuri Nair
Bansal et al, a group of authors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, recently published a paper titled “The Role of GnRH Analogues in Improving Outcome in Women Undergoing Superovulation and Intrauterine Insemination after Surgical Correction of Mild…
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Therapeutic potential of ginseng based compound in preclinical models of endometriosis
By Yu Yu
Currently, the drug option for women with endometriosis mainly focus on reducing estrogens levels (e.g., progestins, androgens, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and aromatase inhibitors). However, these therapies can have low effectiveness with frequent recurrence and considerable side effects. Therefore, there…
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3,6-DHF suppresses the invasive properties of endometrial stromal cells through the Notch signaling
By Dr. Youngran Park
Dr. Zhou group reported recently that 3,6-DHF can inhibit the development of EMT, migration, and invasion of endometrial stromal cells by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway. Endometriosis is a condition in which the layer of tissue (glands and mesenchyme) that normally…
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Can we predict the complexity of laparoscopic surgery by ultrasound?
By Selma Oransay
This is a multicentric, retrospective cohort study recently published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology by Tompsett et al. in which the results of the transvaginal ultrasonographic examinations (TVS) are compared to the results of the laparoscopic operations performed…
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Could the Sleep Hormone Treat Endometriosis?
By Özge Özkaya
Melatonin blocks cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in both normal and endometriotic epithelial cells, according to a study published in the scientific journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. Melatonin could, therefore, be a potential treatment for endometriosis The formation and progression…
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Adrenomedullin: The Pervasive Peptide
By Kasthuri Nair
Dr. Aboulghar, from the Cairo University, recently penned an article titled “Role of adrenomedullin in reproduction and endometriosis” that was published in Fertility and Sterility. This article looks at the function of Adrenomedullin (AM) in pregnancy and endometriosis and it…
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Health-related quality of life in women with Endometriosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
By Murat Osman
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is defined by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. Unfortunately, endometriosis continues to be a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and long-term morbidity in women of reproductive age.…
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N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid and bromelain improved endometriosis-associated pelvic pain
By Yu Yu
Oxidative stress has been implicated in many processes that lead to the development and progression of endometriosis. Typically, women with endometriosis have to endure pelvic pain which negatively impacts their quality of life. Pelvic pain can be chronic and related…
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Endometriosis Development: Pathogenesis and genomics
By Selma Oransay
In this review recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Baranow et al from Saint Petersburg, Russia, hypothesize the existence of an endometriosis development genetic program (EMDP) that governs the origin of endometrium stem cells programmed for endometriosis; their transition…
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The association between endometriosis, adenomyosis and preterm delivery
By Hale Goksever Celik
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are diseases of the same spectrum which have common features and coexist in some but not all patients. Both diseases are characterized by endometrial implants outside of the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is defined as the localization of…
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Detecting endometriosis using peripheral blood
By Yu Yu
Laparoscopic visualization of endometriotic lesions with histological confirmation is the gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis. However, this diagnostic procedure, due to the need for laparoscopy and variability of disease/symptoms, can have a major delay up to 8-10 years…
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The pathogenesis of endometriosis : New discoveries with clinical impact
By Nasuhi Engin Aydin
In this recent review article that appeared in Current Women’s Health Reviews, compiled by researchers from the Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Human Genetics, Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Frankfurt, Germany the following important points in regard to the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of…
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Key to Understanding Ovarian Endometriosis may lay in the Peptides
By Kasthuri Nair
Xue et al. recently published a paper titled “Peptidomic Analysis of Endometrial Tissue from Patients with Ovarian Endometriosis” in Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. The research group from various departments of Nanjing Medical University wished to better understand the pathogenesis of…
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Fallopian Tube Capability in Women with Pelvic Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Xia et al. recently published a paper titled “Effects of pelvic endometriosis and adenomyosis on the ciliary beat frequency and muscular contractions in the human fallopian tube” in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. This research group primarily from Shanghai Jiaotong University…
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Elevated levels of adrenomedullin in eutopic endometrium and plasma from women with endometriosis.
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the eutopic endometrium, commonly in the peritoneum of the pelvis and in pelvic organs, and often causing scarring and pain. The nonspecific nature of endometriosis…
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Catching Endometriosis Early
By Kasthuri Nair
Li et al., a group primarily from Sun Yat-sen University in the People’s Republic of China, recently published an article titled “Endometrium metabolomic profiling reveals potential biomarkers for diagnosis of endometriosis at minimal-mild stages” in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. The…
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Contraceptives for the management of endometriosis pain
By Murat Osman
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that affects many women of reproductive age and is associated with significant morbidity. One of the treatment options for women with endometriosis is the use of oral contraceptives (OCPs) for pain management. However, its…
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Ambiguous experience: Destructive or Constructive
By Deniz Kocas
A diagnostic delay of 4-12 years is reported among women with endometriosis, which is explained by the lack of awareness of endometriosis as a medical condition among patients and healthcare professionals. In searching for a diagnosis, patients encounter many healthcare…
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Difficulties Associated with Diagnosing Ascites and Encapsulating Peritonitis in Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
De Magalhães et al. recently published a paper titled “Ascites and Encapsulating Peritonitis in Endometriosis: a Systematic Review with a Case Report” in Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. The team from the Universidade Federal do Ceará and the Universidade…
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A clearer picture of "endometriosis after menopause"
By Irem Onur
Delfin Avendano Tan and Marie Josephine Guanlao Almeria are obstetrician-gynecologists from the Philippines. They recently published a review article titled "Postmenopausal endometriosis: drawing a clearer picture". In this paper, the authors discussed the pathogenesis, risk factors, and management of postmenopausal…
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Psychosocial impact of endometriosis
By Deniz Kocas
In this review article, researchers from Switzerland report a review to outline the consequences of endometriosis on the psychological, sexual, and interpersonal functioning of both patients and their partners, in the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology.…
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A Way to Better Diagnose Colorectal Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) can make the assessment of colorectal endometriosis more accurate. This is important because it can help doctors plan the surgery better and inform their patients. In order to evaluate…
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Non-coding RNAs in endometriosis
By Dr. Youngran Park
The pathophysiological mechanisms causing the development of endometriosis, which is a heterogeneous disease remain enigmatic, and a lack of effective biomarkers necessitates surgical intervention for diagnosis. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules, which are important regulators of cellular function, have been implicated…
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HOXA10: A Culprit in Endometriosis Disease Progression
By Kasthuri Nair
Zheng et al., a group of authors from the Aerospace Center Hospital in Bejing and from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, recently published a paper in Reproductive Sciences entitled “Decreased Expression of HOXA10 May Activate the…
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Most Effective Embryo Transfer Strategy
By Kasthuri Nair
Bourdon et al., a group of scientists mainly from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, recently published a paper in PLOS ONE titled “The deferred embryo transfer strategy improves cumulative pregnancy rates in endometriosis-related infertility: A retrospective matched cohort study.” This study…
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The use of retinoic acid for the treatment of endometriosis
By Murat Osman
Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of chronic pelvic pain in women during their childbearing years. Several drugs have been researched to either reduce inflammation, decrease growth, or kill endometriotic cells. Retinoic acid (Vitamin A) is one such molecule…
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Reproductive delay and social egg freezing
By Yu Yu
The data collected from Office for National Statistics in England and Wales has suggested a major shift in the timing of motherhood. In the mid-1970s, the average age of motherhood was 26.4 years of age to, while in 2016, it…
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An Unusual Case "Free Floating Omental Endometrioma"
By Kasthuri Nair
Capaccione et al. published an article in Radiology Case Reports titled “Massive endometrioma presenting with dyspnea and abdominal symptoms.” This publication is centered around a particularly unique case report of a woman who was ultimately diagnosed with endometriosis. The patient…
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The endometrial stem cell markers notch-1 and numb are associated with endometriosis.
By Dr. Youngran Park
The pathological mechanisms of endometriosis are still poorly understood. However, stem cells have been candidates of interest because of their high proliferation potential and their ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, contributing to characteristic traits of endometriosis. Also, previous studies…
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The Past, Present, and Future of Diagnosing Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
This review titled “Endometriosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management” published in Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports examines the distribution and factors associated with endometriosis. The analysis by Parasar, Ozcan, and Terry also delineates potential biomarkers and risk factors that could…
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The Challenging Path to Diagnosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Kallia O. Wright, a professor at Illinois College, recently published her essay titled “You have Endometriosis”: Making Menstruation Related Pain Legitimate in a Biomedical World” in Health Communication. This essay delineates the author’s experience with endometriosis. The author started experiencing…
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Blood vessels formation in endometriosis
By Yu Yu
The endometrium undergoes dynamic changes during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen-driven angiogenesis is associated with the proliferative phase, and progesterone-driven vascular maturation occurs in the secretory phase. Hence, it is reasonable that the vascularization of endometriosis is also under complex regulation…
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Which Endometriosis Treatment is Better: NETA or Extended-cycle OC (Seasonique®)?
By Kasthuri Nair
Scala et al. recently shared the findings of their patient preference prospective study in a journal article titled “Norethindrone acetate versus extended-cycle oral contraceptive (Seasonique®) in the treatment of endometriosis symptoms: A prospective open-label comparative study,” which was published in the…
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Benign Gynecological Tumors in Women with Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Matalliotaki et al. recently published a paper titled “Coexistence of benign gynecological tumors with endometriosis in a group of 1,000 women” in Oncology Letters. The study had two main objectives. The first goal was to understand the link between endometriosis…
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Skin Endo Diagnosis
By Özge Özkaya
High-frequency ultrasound can be very useful for the early diagnosis of cutaneous endometriosis according to a study published in the journal Skin Research and Technology. The diagnostic tool could be used in patients who have unusual cyclical pain even before…
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Long-term Use of Dienogest can Prevent Recurrence of Endometriomas
By Kasthuri Nair
Chandra et al. recently published a paper titled “Clinical experience of the long-term use of dienogest after surgery for ovarian endometriomas” in Obstetrics and Gynecology Science. The publication explored the benefits and repercussions associated with long-term use of dienogest, a…
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Is the presence of endometriosis associated with a survival benefit in pure ovarian clear cell carcinoma?
By Dr. Youngran Park
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) has been known to be associated with endometriosis for a long time. However, the impact of the presence of endometriosis around the tumor on the prognoses of women with OCCC is still controversial. To shed…
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When Endometriosis Becomes Malignant
By Kasthuri Nair
Anglesio and Yong recently wrote a review titled “Endometriosis-associated Ovarian Cancers” that was published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. This review explored the relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancers. It is important to note that this review is a compilation of…
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Intestinal Endometriosis and Colorectal Cancer versus T4 Colorectal Cancer
By Kasthuri Nair
Ishii et al. recently published a paper titled “Intestinal endometriosis combined with colorectal cancer: a case series” in the Journal of Medical Case Reports. This case report follows 7 Japanese women who have intestinal endometriosis and colorectal cancer. These women…
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EFA Medical Conference 2017: "Ovarian Cancer" Presentation by Dr. Jeannine Villella
By Kasthuri Nair
Dr. Jeannine Villella, the Chair of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of OBGYN at Lenox Hill, presented at the 2017 EFA Medical Conference. Her presentation was titled “Ovarian Cancer, ” and she discussed the similarities, differences, and links between ovarian…
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Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis.
By Murat Osman
Endometriosis may affect the pelvic reproductive system, but it can also be found in non-reproductive organs such as the gastrointestinal and urinary tract. The article outlined below discusses the diagnosis and management of genitourinary and gastrointestinal endometriosis. Gastrointestinal endometriosis: The…
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The effect of endometriosis on preterm birth risk
By Demet Candaş Green
Some studies show that women with endometriosis develop significant complications during pregnancy that lead to preterm labor, and newborns of these women often need neonatal intensive care unit admissions. However, other studies argue that endometriosis have no significant effect on…
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MRI Best at Detecting Intestinal Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seems to be a better method in identifying deep infiltrating endometriosis in the intestine compared to two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS), found a study by researchers in Italy and Spain. However, this does not seem to be the…
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Diseases that Coexist with Adenomyosis and Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Adenomyosis, defined by endometrial glands and stroma found within the muscular uterine wall, and endometriosis are two common gynecological diseases that are similar pathologically and symptomatically. Choi et al. recently conducted a study where they hoped to determine the prevalence…
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The Deregulated Molecular Functions Involved in Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Carcinoma
By Dr. Youngran Park
Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) is postulated to be transformed from endometriosis. Though different deregulated functional areas were proposed accounting for the pathogenesis of EAOC transformation, there is a lack of data-driven analysis to prove this. To understand the EAOC pathogenesis…
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How good are the current guidelines on endometriosis?
By Dr. Youngran Park
The endometriosis was first described in 1860, yet the etiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Treatment strategies vary significantly between disease severity and the symptoms of pain and/or subfertility. These challenges have resulted in multidirectional research, and the comparability of…
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Do Adolescents and Adults Experience Endometriosis Differently?
By Özge Özkaya
Symptoms of endometriosis seem to be the same between women surgically diagnosed during adolescence and those diagnosed as adults, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. For both age groups, pelvic pain was severe,…
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Dienogest Use Over A Prolonged Period of Time
By Kasthuri Nair
There are not a lot of treatments on the market for endometriosis; however, Dienogest (DNG), a progestin that has high selective progesterone activity along with low androgenic activity, has been found to reduce endometriosis-associated pain. Lee et al. recently published…
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Ectoenzymes as endometriosis biomarkers
By Yu Yu
The diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed by 7 to 11 years because of the lack of a non-invasive diagnostic test. The ovarian endometriomas occur in about 17%-44% of women with endometriosis and cysts which contain endometrial tissue and fluid…
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Short-term effects of dienogest on ovarian endometriomas
By Murat Osman
First-line treatment of symptomatic, uncomplicated ovarian endometriosis is the use of progestins with or without estrogens such as Dienogest (DNG). These drugs are used to inhibit ovulation and thus reduce the estrogenic environment in which endometriosis relies upon for survival.…
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Retinoic Acid and Beclin1 Play an Opposite Role in Endometriosis Development
By Kasthuri Nair
In their paper titled “Retinoic acid regulates endometriotic stromal cell growth through upregulation of Beclin1,” Lu et al. seek to elucidate the mechanism that drives endometriosis disease progression. Retinoic Acid (RA) is a vitamin A metabolite responsible for regulation of…
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Endometriosis early pointers
By Yu Yu
Endometriosis can take a long time to diagnose, thus associated with prolonged symptoms of pain, subfertility and patient frustration/demoralization. It can be difficult to diagnose clinically because the symptoms are common and non-specific so that GP can misconceive them as…
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Adhesion molecules and endometriosis
By Yu Yu
Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is an immunomodulator regulated by estrogen and can regulate cell adhesion, which is a critical step in the initiation of endometriosis. In particular, the cell adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and HCAM (homing…
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Biomarkers as a Diagnostic Tool
By Kasthuri Nair
Ahn, Singh and Tayade discuss the difficulties and delay in diagnosing Endometriosis in their paper titled “Biomarkers in endometriosis: challenges and opportunities.” Thus far research has identified a multitude of potential biomarkers that are found in various parts of the…
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Protein-Modifying Variants in the Genome and Their Role in Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
The results of many endometriosis studies are limited in the fact that they only recruit patients from one geographical area; however, this particular study specifically narrowed their participant search to individuals from one continent, namely Europe. Sapkota et al. chose…
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A New Treatment Time-Table for Controlling Endometriosis-Associated Pelvic Pain
By Kasthuri Nair
It is no secret that Endometriosis is an extremely painful disease. Unfortunately, science has yet to determine a treatment that can effectively treat the disease or the associated pain. In their paper titled “Ethinylestradiol 20 mg/drospirenone 3 mg in a…
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Urocortin 1 as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for endometriosis
By Demet Candaş Green
Urocortin 1 (Ucn1) is a neuropeptide secreted by epithelial cells of the endometrium. It promotes endometrial differentiation to help with embryo implantation. Endometriotic lesions were shown to be rich in Ucn1, suggesting a potential role for Ucn1 in the pathogenesis…
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Endometriosis Should be Diagnosed Timely and Properly
By Kasthuri Nair
The pain of endometriosis is often worsened by delayed diagnosis. The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) recently published guidelines for the quick and accurate diagnosis of endometriosis. Jacqui Wise discusses these recommendations and their implications in her…
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Overview of NICE Endometriosis Guidelines
By Kasthuri Nair
In this article titled “Diagnosis and management of endometriosis: summary of NICE guidance,” Kuznetsov et al. talk through the recent endometriosis guidelines set forth by The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE). The BMJ publication hopes to elucidate…
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Endometriosis and Psychological Health: Butterflies from Deep Wounds
By Kasthuri Nair
Endometriosis is a grueling disease in every sense of the word; however, most of the discussions center on the physical manifestations of the disease. Facchin et al. veer from the beaten path and examine the impact endometriosis have on a…
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Breast Feeding Can Reduce the Risk of Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
In their publication titled “History of breast feeding and risk of incident endometriosis: prospective cohort study,” Farland et al. examine the benefits of breast feeding. The authors initially hypothesize that the length of lactation in women that have been pregnant…
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Does endometriosis increase skin cancer risk?
By Demet Candaş Green
Two major types of skin cancer are melanoma, which is the least frequent type but with highest metastatic potential; and non-melanoma skin cancers which include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Several risk factors are identified for skin cancer…
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Combination Polymorphisms of Three "Estrogene-Related" Genes Increase the Risk of Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Cardoso et al. recently published a paper titled “Combined Effect of the PGR +331C > T, CYP17A1 -34A > G and CYP19A1 1531G > A Polymorphisms on the Risk of Developing Endometriosis” in Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetrician. The…
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Surgical treatment of colonic endometriosis
By Demet Candaş Green
In this study, the authors provide a brief report published in the journal "The American Surgeon" which retrospectively reviewed the therapy outcomes in eight consecutive patients who had a laparoscopic surgical intervention for deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) at Anne Arundel Medical Center. The…
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Dienogest for Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Laganà et al. recently published an article in Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology titled “Clinical dynamics of Dienogest for the treatment of endometriosis: from bench to bedside.” This article explored the benefits of using Dienogest, a progestin, to…
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The Potential Molecular Mechanisms that Drive Endometriosis Progression
By Kasthuri Nair
Endometriosis is a mysterious disease in that the exact mechanism that causes the illness is still at large. Yang et al. recently published a paper in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences that hopes to elucidate the molecular…
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Glycodelin and altered endometrial function in endometriosis
By Yu Yu
A laparoscopic examination is the only diagnostic tool for endometriosis to date. Since the procedure is invasive, there has been much effort by researchers to develop a biomarker for non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. To this end, there has been growing…
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Reduced vascularization in ovarian endometriomas associated with less pain
By Yu Yu
Angiogenesis, i.e., the development of new blood vessels is believed to play an important role in endometriosis pathogenesis and symptoms. Endometriosis is associated and requires neovascularization to proliferate, invade surrounding normal structure in order to establish an endometriotic lesion. Ovarian…
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Combo Therapy of Micronized palmitoylethanolamide/trans-polydatin for Endometriosis Pain
By Kasthuri Nair
Endometriosis is a painful illness and many researchers in the field work to offer women with the disease some form of respite from the suffering. Indraccolo, Indraccolo, and Mignini are three such researchers and they recently published a paper titled…
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"Kissing Round Ligaments" May Be a Sign of Bladder Endometriosis
By Özge Özkaya
Specific laparoscopic findings may help surgeons diagnose bladder endometriosis, a rare and often undiagnosed condition. Bladder endometriosis is thought to affect only around one percent of patients with endometriosis. However, this could be an underestimation and many cases may go…
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Dienogest for endometriosis pain in clinical practice
By Yu Yu
Dienogest is a synthetic progestogen that has been marketed as a medical treatment for endometriosis. Previous randomized controlled clinical trials have shown that it is effective in women with endometriosis at different stages of the disease. Given its recent introduction,…
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Detection of Uterine Malformations and its Link to Endometriosis
By Kasthuri Nair
Dr. Abd El Fattah recently published a research article titled “Uterine Cavity Abnormalities in Patients with Endometriosis in Alexandria: A Diagnostic Test Accuracy Study” in Obstetrics and Gynecology International that delineated and presented the results of his study. The study has two…
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The Benefits of Primary Surgery
By Kasthuri Nair
Ahmad, Hussin, and Ahmad recently conducted a cohort study, and they published the results within an article titled “An evaluation of the quality of life in women with endometriosis who underwent primary surgery: a 6-month follow-up in Sabah Women &…
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Retinoic Acid Signaling Involved in Endometrial Decidualization
By Murat Osman
Decidualization occurs in the eutopic endometrium during the luteal phase and is controlled by signaling pathways such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and progesterone. Researchers from the Northwestern University School of Medicine reported in their recent paper entitled "Altered Retinoid…
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Could the cell surface protein "EWI-2" be the new diagnostic marker for endometriosis?
By Murat Osman
Further Understanding: Researchers from the Reproductive Medicine Center of Wuhan University sought to observe the differential expression of EWI-2, (a cell surface protein and an early activation marker, also known as IGSF8 - Immunoglobulin superfamily member 8) in 145 women…
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By Karime Kalil MachadoPatient-completed or symptom-based screening tools for endometriosis: a scoping review.
By Karime Kalil Machado
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women in reproductive age. Its clinical presentation is variable, and symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain, may overlap with those of other benign conditions, making differential diagnosis challenging. Therefore, a patient-completed screening questionnaire could potentially…
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More than Four Years Pass Before Endometriosis is Diagnosed After Symptoms First Appear
By Özge Özkaya
The average time that passes between the onset of symptoms such as pelvic pain and the diagnosis of endometriosis is 4.4 years on average, according to a study conducted by researchers at the pharmaceutical company Abbvie and published in the…
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Ultrasound Ablation to Treat Endometriosis
By Murat Osman
Further Understanding: Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) often presents in the rectosigmoid colon in women with endometriosis and can be the major cause of gastrointestinal and pelvic symptoms. This preliminary study focuses on the utility of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in…
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