TO Lili Reinhart was diagnosed withendometriosis. The actress, 28 years old, revealed it on social media, choosing to tell the story long and frustrating journey which led her to discover that she was suffering from this disorder. Sharing images taken in hospital, where she underwent laparoscopic surgery to confirm the diagnosis, she explained that for years his ailments were downplayedattributed to other diseases or treated lightly. None of the proposed therapies had really worked, and only by insisting on more accurate tests did the definitive answer arrive.
“Last year I consulted a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis,” the actress wrote in her Instagram posts. «I was told that there was no curenor lasting relief, for my symptoms. Three hospital visits. Several urologists and gynecologists. AND none of them seriously considered endometriosis as the cause of what I was feeling.” Only by chance did Lili Reinhart learn that endometriosis might be the cause of her pain, and at that point, but not without problems, she “met an endometriosis specialist who helped me decide that laparoscopic surgery was the next step” while another gynecologist tried to dissuade her. And now that the diagnosis is finally clear, the actress talks about endometriosis as «a disease that is often misinterpreted». But what is endometriosis? How does it manifest itself, how many women does it affect, what are the symptoms and what are the treatments? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is endometriosis
THE’endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterine cavity. It can be located on the ovaries, tubes, peritoneum, intestine or bladder, causing inflammationadhesions and, in some cases, even the formation of cysts. The disorder is particularly interesting women in the 25-35 age group years, but is often asymptomatic. However, when endometriosis is diagnosed, this happens in most cases because the pelvic pain pushes those who suffer from it to undergo medical investigations.
Why the diagnosis of endometriosis is so complex
Getting to the diagnosis of endometriosis is not easy. In fact, the symptoms can vary greatly from one woman to another and often overlap with those of other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or interstitial cystitis. To this we add a cultural problem still rooted: for generations, intense menstrual pain was considered almost a physiological characteristic, an annoyance to be endured. According to the page dedicated to endometriosis on the website ofWHOthis normalization of pain contributes significantly to diagnostic delayswhich can last for years. In many cases, the final confirmation only arrives through laparoscopya surgical examination that allows you to identify and, if necessary, directly remove the lesions.
Pain as the main signal
As underlined by theHumanitas Clinical Institute on its website, Pain is the hallmark of endometriosis. This is not a simple period-related discomfort, but a pain that is often intense, persistent and resistant to normal analgesics. It can occur during menstruation but also outside of the cycle, it can involve the lower abdomen, lower back, intestine or bladder and can make sexual intercourse painful. In many women, these symptoms are accompanied by recurrent intestinal disorders or, in more complex cases, difficulties in conceiving. It’s right there persistence of pain and its interference with daily life to raise suspicions about the presence of the disease.
How to reach the diagnosis
The diagnostic path always starts with a careful analysis of the medical history and a gynecological examination. Subsequently, transvaginal ultrasound can be used, which is particularly useful for identifying any ovarian cysts, and magnetic resonance imaging, which allows us to highlight deeper foci and involvement of nearby organs. Although these tools are fundamental to guide clinical suspicion, the WHO reminds us that the definitive diagnosis, in most cases, comes only with laparoscopy. During the procedure, the specialist can directly observe the endometriotic foci and take tissue samples to confirm their nature.
The possible causes
The causes of endometriosis they are not yet fully known. The most accredited hypotheses, according to Humanitas, include the phenomenon of retrograde menstruation (whereby endometrial cells ascend towards the abdominal cavity instead of being eliminated) or a genetic predisposition. Or, again, alterations of the immune system or mechanisms of metaplasia, which would lead some types of cells to transform into tissue similar to the endometrium. However, it is likely that there is not a single cause, but a combination of factors biological, genetic and immunological.
Can endometriosis be cured?
There is no definitive cure for endometriosis, but there are effective treatments to reduce its symptoms and improve quality of life. As Humanitas reminds us, the approach depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the disease, the intensity of the disorders and the desire for motherhood. In some cases, pharmacological management may be sufficient, including analgesics and hormonal therapies aimed at reducing the activity of the hormones that fuel the lesions. In more complex cases it is possible resort to laparoscopic surgeryuseful for removing foci, releasing adhesions and treating cysts. The objective, in any case, is always the same: to reduce pain, limit the progression of the disease and protect, when necessary, fertility.
Endometriosis, a widespread but underestimated disease
The WHO data is clear: endometriosis is one widespread diseasechronic and often disabling, which can profoundly impact one’s working, social and personal life. Despite this, it still remains underdiagnosed and underestimated. According to the World Health Organization website, in fact, the disease it affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age: approx 190 million people in the world. It is therefore not a rare pathology, but an extremely widespread disorder, which nevertheless continues to occur little attention in clinical practice and public debate. And in this the testimony of Lili Reinhart has the merit of bringing attention to a problem that affects millions of women. Talking about endometriosis doesn’t just mean giving a name to a pain, but finally getting a listen, more timely diagnoses and a better quality of life.