Deep endometriosis is a serious disease because it is the most aggressive form of the disease, in which endometrial tissue extends to a larger surface area, being thicker than normal and causing an exacerbation of the classic symptoms of endometriosis.
In deep endometriosis, the growth of endometrial tissue occurs in large amounts outside the uterus, in places such as the intestines, ovaries, fallopian tubes or bladder, causing progressive pelvic pain during menstruation.
In addition to pelvic pain, women with deep endometriosis may also have the following symptoms:
In addition to these symptoms, deep endometriosis can also make pregnancy difficult. See the implications of endometriosis during pregnancy.
Diagnosis of deep endometriosis is based on symptoms of the disease and diagnostic tests, such as laparoscopy, opaque enema, colonoscopy, CT, ultrasound, and MRI. All diagnostic methods are effective in identifying changes related to the female reproductive system, however, laparoscopy and ultrasound are the most commonly used methods for their increased sensitivity and effectiveness.
Laparoscopy and transvaginal ultrasound are most easily detected by deep endometriosis, but even deep endometriosis cannot quickly observe tissue changes and other tests, such as pelvic MRI, may be needed.
Learn more about endometriosis diagnostic tests
Treatment of deep endometriosis should be established by the gynecologist and aims to relieve symptoms, prevent recurrence and improve a woman’s quality of life. Treatment should take into account the woman’s age, reproductive desire, symptoms and the severity of endometriosis.
Most of the time, treatment of deep endometriosis is done with the use of medications to anticipate menopause or to take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve pain, especially during menstruation.
However, if drug treatment is not sufficient or if deep endometriosis is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery, as this is the only truly effective treatment for removing endometrial tissue. Understand how endometriosis surgery is performed.