New perspectives for the treatment of endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: Review the pathophysiology, diagnosis and current treatments for endometriosis in the literature, as well as the impact of the disease on the daily lives of affected women. Literature Review: Endometriosis, characterized by progressive cell growth and estrogen dependence, affects approximately 10-15% of women of reproductive age, with a global prevalence estimated at 176 million cases, is characterized by progressive cell growth and estrogen dependence. Diagnosis has evolved towards non-surgical methods, seeking to accelerate treatment, while chronic pain, the main symptom, impacts work absenteeism and economic impact, manifesting itself in a cyclical or non-cyclical way. In addition to being associated with infertility (20-68% of infertile patients), the complexity of endometriosis affects several systems and organs, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for symptomatic control. Conclusion: Endometriosis, a common complex condition, can cause significant distress, resulting in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or affecting specific organs. This disease lacks an established cause and curative treatment, highlighting the need for new research to understand its pathogenesis, develop definitive non-invasive diagnostic techniques and guide hormone-free treatments, especially for women who wish to become pregnant.