Stage 4 endometriosis is not considered a fatal disease but it interferes with fertility, causes inflammation and hormonal changes.
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, growing in other parts such as the uterine muscle, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or even deep inside the abdomen, into the bladder, rectum, intestines, etc. Endometriosis occurs in 24-50% of infertile women. This condition not only hinders women's fertility in many different ways, but also causes inflammation, hormonal changes, and affects the pelvic area. Pelvic adhesions in and around the fallopian tubes will hinder the transport of eggs or prevent sperm from meeting and fertilizing eggs during ovulation.
Stage 4 endometriosis is the most severe form of this chronic disease. Women with this stage have severe adhesions (scar tissue that attaches to internal surfaces of the body) and damage inside or outside the reproductive tract, including the presence of endometriosis on one or both ovaries. Endometriosis of the ovaries is thought to interfere with fertility by changing the shape and reducing ovarian reserve. However, women with stage 4 endometriosis can still get pregnant. Very few cases are able to get pregnant naturally, most require intervention with treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
At this stage, the patient may experience persistent pelvic pain and severe menstrual cramps, the pain extending to the abdomen or lower back, affecting work and daily life. This condition also makes sexual intercourse painful, hinders intimacy, and affects relationships. These symptoms even cause anxiety leading to depression in women. However, in some cases, the patient has no symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and treat early. Many people only discover endometriosis at stage 4 when they go for infertility examination.
Endometriosis causes severe abdominal pain during menstruation, affecting quality of life. Photo: Freepik
People with stage 4 endometriosis have endometrial tissue extending beyond the reproductive organs. Affected areas may include the bladder, bowel, and rectum. Endometriosis in these locations causes pain during bowel movements and urination; nausea, constipation, and diarrhea may also occur. Pelvic adhesions also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. If endometriosis grows on or in the bladder or bowel, surgery may be needed to remove the lesions or even remove part of the affected organ.
Stage 4 endometriosis affects many organs and areas of the body. Therefore, to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment, women should list their symptoms to their doctor, including symptoms that occur during menstruation and other times. The only way to diagnose the disease is by laparoscopy.
Depending on the severity and symptoms of the disease, the doctor will suggest different treatment options, from monitoring to taking pain relievers during menstruation. If the disease is more severe, the patient will be prescribed hormonal drugs to regulate menstruation, the final solution is surgery. Endometriosis enucleation surgery is indicated if the patient has an endometriosis tumor that is too large, affecting other organs or affecting fertility.
Untreated endometriosis can continue to spread, causing scarring, adhesions and complications such as infertility. Therefore, patients need to be examined and treated early to avoid affecting their health and daily activities.
Hai My ( According to Very Well Health )
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