The cause could be endometriosis. Every month, many women suffer from endometriosis, which can have a considerable impact on their performance and ability to work, as well as their quality of life. One of the most common gynecological diseases - endometriosis - may be behind the symptoms. The disease affects women of childbearing age and is hormone-dependent. An estimated 1.2 to 1.5 million women suffer from endometriosis, i.e. 10 to 15 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 50 in Germany. Despite intensive research, the causes are still unknown. "Severe pain before and during menstruation, during sexual intercourse, but also during urination and bowel movements or an unfulfilled desire to have children can be an indication of endometriosis and should always be clarified by a gynaecologist," says Prof. Dr. Peter Hillemanns, Director of the Women's Clinic at the MHH.

• extreme menstrual cramps
• chronic pain during intercourse
• pain during sexual intercourse
• infertility
• fatigue
• digestive problems

Endometriosis is considered an oestrogen-dependent disease. "Scattered" endometrial tissue builds up and breaks down in the cycle, just like in the uterus itself. Bleeding and chronic irritation, sometimes associated with severe pain, can be the result. It can also lead to (blood-filled) ovarian cysts, which are often the cause of involuntary childlessness.
Although endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, it still takes an average of six years to be diagnosed in Germany. "That's why education is so important. When women with unclear lower abdominal complaints, an unfulfilled desire to have children or other diffuse complaints come to the consultation, gynaecologists in private practice should always consider endometriosis," emphasizes PD Dr. Matthias Jentschke, Senior Physician at the Women's Clinic of the MHH and Head of the Endometriosis Centre. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner suitable treatment can begin.