Advances in the management of endometriosis: An update for clinicians

219Citations
Citations of this article
141Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic and recurrent disease characterized by the presence and proliferation of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, which occurs in approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. In this estrogen-dependent disorder, lesions become inactive and gradually undergo regression during states of ovarian down-regulation, such as amenorrhoea or menopause. The impact of endometriosis includes impaired fertility potential, as well as symptoms of dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and chronic non-menstrual pain, all of which adversely affect quality of life. Management of endometriosis focuses on pain relief and includes medical and surgical treatment. Pharmacologic therapies currently in use include combination oral contraceptives (COCs), danazol, GnRH analogues and progestins. Although some agents show efficacy in relieving pain, all differ in their side effects, making it difficult to achieve a balance between efficacy and safety. Efficacy has been demonstrated with danazol or GnRH analogues; however, treatment is limited to 6 months because of significant metabolic side effects. Alternatives for longer-term management of symptoms include add-back therapy with GnRH analogues, COCs or progestins. Newer options for treatment of endometriosis include depot medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous injection, as well as several agents under investigation that may prove to have therapeutic potential. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Crosignani, P. G., Olive, D., Bergqvist, A., & Luciano, A. (2006, March). Advances in the management of endometriosis: An update for clinicians. Human Reproduction Update. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmi049

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free