What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition affecting approximately 1 woman in 10 of reproductive age. It is characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining that covers the inside of the uterus) outside the uterine cavity: on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the peritoneum, or even the bladder or intestine.
This condition is still all too often diagnosed with an average delay of 7 years, which underlines the importance of seeking a specialist consultation at the first suggestive symptoms.
Recognising the symptoms
The manifestations of endometriosis vary from patient to patient. The most common symptoms are:
- Chronic pelvic pain, often cyclical, intensifying during periods
- Severe dysmenorrhoea (very painful periods), resistant to standard analgesics
- Dyspareunia (pain during or after sexual intercourse)
- Cyclical digestive problems: bloating, diarrhoea, constipation
- Urinary problems: frequent urges, pain on urination
- Debilitating chronic fatigue
- Infertility: endometriosis is found in 30 to 40% of infertile women
Important: some women with endometriosis are asymptomatic. The severity of symptoms does not always reflect the extent of the disease.
Diagnosis: no longer waiting 7 years
In Marseille, Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi is committed to the early diagnosis of endometriosis. The diagnostic process includes:
1. Medical history and clinical examination
A thorough interview about your symptoms, their timeline and their impact on your quality of life, followed by a complete gynaecological examination.
2. Pelvic ultrasound scan
Endovaginal ultrasound is the first-line investigation. It allows detection of endometriomas (endometriosis ovarian cysts) and certain deep-seated locations.
3. Pelvic MRI
MRI is the gold-standard investigation for mapping deep endometriosis lesions and planning surgical management.
4. Laparoscopy
In certain cases, a laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and treat the lesions at the same operative time.
Treatments available in Marseille
The management of endometriosis is always individualised, depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease, and the patient's pregnancy plans.
Medical treatment
- Hormonal treatment to suppress periods and slow the progression of lesions
- Pain management: analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, complementary approaches
- Regular follow-up to adapt treatment over time
Surgical treatment
- Laparoscopy for the excision of endometriotic lesions
- Minimally invasive surgery preserving fertility
- Multidisciplinary management when digestive or urinary organs are affected
Fertility support
For patients wishing to conceive, Dr. Maazouzi offers personalised support and referral for medically assisted reproduction (ART) when necessary.
When to seek a consultation?
Do not wait if you have chronic pelvic pain, very painful periods, or difficulties conceiving. Early diagnosis considerably improves management and preserves your fertility.
Book an appointment with Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi at the Hôpital Privé Beauregard (23 Rue des Linots, Bât. B5 ICOGM, Marseille 13004) for a full endometriosis assessment.