자궁내막증 증상Endometriosis LaparoscopyㅣSource: National Health Insurance Corporation
The exact cause of the occurrence has not yet been revealed. Professor Seo Jong-wook of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital said, “There are many hypotheses, but no single hypothesis can explain the pathophysiology,” adding, “What is clear is that it is a disease dependent on the female hormone, estrogen, and in women, genetic factors, immunity, “It is related to academic and environmental factors and can occur during the fertile period,” he said.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic pain and menstrual cramps. If endometriosis develops around the peritoneum or vagina, pain may occur during sexual intercourse. In addition, bowel movements just before or during menstruation and decreased reproductive capacity may also occur.
Endometriosis is a common disease that occurs in approximately 20-30% of menstruating women. According to data released by the National Health Insurance Corporation, 155,183 people received treatment for endometriosis in 2020. This is a 48.2% increase from 104,689 in 2016. By age group, people in their 40s accounted for the most at 44.9% (69,706 people), followed by people in their 30s at 25.8% (40,087 people) and people in their 50s at 17.4% (26,978 people).
The age group of patients with the greatest increase was in their 60s, an increase of 120.4% from 920 in 2016 to 2,028 in 2020. Next, those in their 70s increased by 81.4% (127 people), and those in their 50s increased by 71% (11,199 people). The number of people receiving endometriosis treatment per 100,000 people was 606 in 2020, an increase of 46.4% compared to 414 in 2016.
Bilateral ovarian endometriosis ultrasoundㅣSource: National Health Insurance Corporation
If endometriosis is not properly treated, it can cause inflammation and adhesions, causing infertility. In particular, if a disease that occurs during adolescence is left untreated, it can have a significant impact on future fertility. Endometriosis has a risk of recurrence even after surgery. If you begin medication after surgery, you must continue to take medication as prescribed and undergo regular checkups. It is a chronic disease that requires long-term treatment and management.
If continuity of treatment is lost, the cumulative recurrence rate within 5 years is known to increase to 60%. Additionally, repeated surgeries can reduce ovarian reserve and cause infertility or early menopause. The prevalence of endometriosis is reported to be 30-50% in infertile women and 50-70% in women with chronic pelvic pain, so if symptoms of endometriosis such as severe menstrual pain appear, it is recommended to visit an obstetrician and gynecologist for treatment.
Source: When curious about your health, Hidoc (www.hidoc.co.kr)
