Endometriosis-More than just "dysmenorrhea"

Endometriosis is one of the most frequent benign diseases in women of reproductive age. In the clinical routine, nearly all practicing gynecologists and gynecological clinics are confronted with this condition at diverse rates and in various degrees of severity. In addition to gynecology, neighboring medical specialties also have to regularly deal, either directly or indirectly, with various forms of endometriosis and its sequelae. The disease is marked by pain and sterility. Too little attention is frequently paid to the fact that endometriosis also affects adolescents; nevertheless, even in patients of this age group it is associated with a significant level of suffering. Many years can elapse before the disease is diagnosed and appropriately treated. A targeted taking of the medical history and thorough examination enable an accurate assessment with respect to the extent and location of endometriosis lesions and constitute the basis of an individualized sustainable treatment planning.